If you’re looking for a rich, comforting, and easy weeknight dinner that feels like something served in a cozy restaurant, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe is exactly what you need. The images above perfectly show what makes this dish irresistible—golden pan-seared chicken coated in a velvety garlic sauce that’s buttery, smooth, and bursting with fresh herbs.
With simple ingredients like cream, garlic, butter, and chicken breasts, this dish brings warmth and comfort in every bite. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, this creamy garlic chicken transforms everyday ingredients into something luxurious and memorable.
This recipe is quick enough for a busy evening yet impressive enough for guests. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the chicken, creating layers of flavor that develop in just one pan. Imagine tender chicken breasts simmering in a sauce infused with garlic, butter, herbs, and a hint of lemon—you’ll want to save this recipe forever.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe
1. One-Pan Convenience
Everything cooks in a single skillet—from searing the chicken to preparing the creamy garlic sauce. Less cleanup, more flavor.
2. Ultra-Creamy Sauce
The sauce is the highlight of the dish: buttery, garlicky, smooth, and richly infused with herbs.
3. Perfectly Juicy Chicken
Pan-searing the chicken breasts locks in moisture and creates a beautiful golden crust, just like in the images.
4. Pairs With Almost Anything
Serve it with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Pasta
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
This recipe works for both simple family meals and elegant dinners.
5. Uses Affordable Everyday Ingredients
No complicated or expensive items—just pantry staples transformed into something spectacular.
🍗 Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe
For the Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5–6 garlic cloves (minced or crushed)
- 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, as needed
🔪 How to Make the Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
This recipe looks impressive but comes together quickly. Follow the steps below to recreate the results shown in the images.
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry. Season generously with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Proper seasoning helps the chicken develop a golden crust and rich flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for:
- 5–7 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Do not overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if needed.
This step is crucial because:
- It develops deep flavor.
- It forms the delicious crust shown in the image.
- It locks in the juices before simmering in the sauce.
Once cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C), remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Do not brown the garlic—you want a soft, buttery aroma, not bitterness.
optional: Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom. These caramelized bits add tremendous flavor to the sauce.
Add the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer gently. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. The lemon brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
4. Return the Chicken to the Skillet
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over them generously. Let them simmer uncovered for:
- 5–8 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to absorb flavor.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
This final simmer is what creates the glossy, beautiful chicken you see in the photos—tender, juicy, and coated in creamy garlic sauce.
🍽️ How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
This dish pairs wonderfully with almost any side. Some of the best options include:
1. Mashed Potatoes
The creamy sauce blends perfectly with buttery mashed potatoes, as shown in the second image.
2. Buttered Pasta
Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti make an excellent base.
3. Steamed Rice
Great for soaking up all the flavorful sauce.
4. Roasted Vegetables
Try broccoli, carrots, asparagus, or green beans.
5. Garlic Bread
Perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
🌿 Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe
1. Pound the Chicken
If the chicken breasts are thick, pound them slightly for even cooking.
2. Do Not Overcook
Remove from heat as soon as they reach 165°F (74°C). Overcooking will make them dry.
3. Fresh Garlic is Key
Jarred garlic will not give the same depth of flavor.
4. Use Real Cream
Do not substitute milk—it will not thicken properly.
5. Add Parmesan Slowly
This prevents clumping and ensures a silky texture.
6. Adjust the Sauce Thickness
Simmer longer for a thicker sauce or add a splash of broth to thin it.
🍷 Optional Add-Ins and Flavor Variations
Make your creamy garlic chicken uniquely yours with these delicious variations:
1. Add Mushrooms
Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the cream.
2. Add Spinach
Stir in fresh spinach during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
3. Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
4. Use Herbs
Thyme, rosemary, or basil bring extra fragrance.
5. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Their tangy sweetness balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
🥘 Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for:
- Up to 3–4 days
Reheating:
Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s smooth texture.
🍗 Printable Recipe Card: Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe
Serves: 3–4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
(As listed earlier)
Instructions:
- Season chicken.
- Sear until golden.
- Make creamy garlic sauce.
- Simmer chicken in sauce.
- Garnish and serve.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—simple, rich, and bursting with flavor in every bite. The golden, pan-seared chicken and velvety garlic sauce make this dish feel elegant, yet it’s unbelievably easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a cozy family meal, or a special dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.
