This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a fast and easy recipe that I think looks impressive, yet requires very little effort and time in the kitchen! This recipe is made with very few simple ingredients making it the perfect weeknight family dinner to enjoy at the end of a long day. This delicious recipe has quickly become one of your favourites, being viewed over 27 million times across my social accounts! It is also my most made recipe.

Creamy Garlic Chicken

The star of the show is the chicken; it is seasoned beautifully and then dusted with flour, creating a crust for the gloriously creamy, indulgent garlic sauce to cling to. Making this meal at home is much cheaper than the cost for ordering it out, yet it tastes incredible and feels fancy, all in under 20 minutes. 

Can you make Creamy Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, Creamy Garlic Chicken can be made ahead of time. You can refrigerate the cooked chicken with the sauce (to stop the chicken drying out) for up to 3 days. It’s not suitable to freeze.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for Creamy Garlic Chicken?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for the chicken breast in this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe. Cooking the chicken thighs will take a little longer; cook for 6–8 minutes or until just cooked through and golden.

What is best to serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken?

Try mashed potatoes, a classic potato gratin, rice, pasta or fresh crusty bread. For veggie sides, try steamed greens, a fresh rocket (arugula) or baby spinach salad, steamed broccoli, cauliflower or green beans.

How do I cook the perfect chicken breast for Creamy Garlic Chicken?

These are my top tips for cooking chicken breast so that you can make the perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken!

The speed at which the chicken cooks depends on the thickness of the chicken. If in doubt, cook the chicken at a slightly lower temperature (medium–low) for a longer period of time (approximately 6–8 minutes). This will ensure a golden colour and even sear. Super high temperatures will cause the oil to splatter and the chicken to cook too quickly and blacken on the outside while still being undercooked on the inside.

If using smaller chicken breasts, use 3–4 instead of 2.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Garlic Chicken plated with mash potato and green beans

Creamy Garlic Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 31 reviews

Perfectly cooked chicken in an easy, creamy garlic sauce. All on the table in less than 20 minutes!

  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken 

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 4 steaks
  • 1 tsp salt flakes
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup (35 g) plain (all-purpose flour)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Sauce

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) chicken stock
  • 300 ml (10 fl oz) thick (double/heavy) cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated parmesan
  • Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

To serve

  • Mashed potatoes, steamed rice or pasta
  • Steamed greens
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, onion powder and thyme. Press the chicken into the flour so that all sides are evenly coated. 
  2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked, turning once halfway through.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. 
  4. To the same pan, add the butter for the sauce. Once melted, add the garlic, stirring for 30 seconds. 
  5. Add the chicken stock and cook for 1–2 minutes until it has evaporated by at least half. Stir in the cream and Dijon mustard, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Stir through the parmesan, season to taste, then return the chicken to the pan for 2–3 minutes or until the chicken is heated through. Serve the chicken with rice, mashed potatoes or pasta and a side of steamed greens. Top with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. 

Notes

MAKE AHEAD

Creamy Garlic chicken can be made ahead to make weeknights that little bit easier. Refrigerate the cooked chicken with the sauce (to stop the chicken drying out) for up to 3 days. Not suitable to freeze.

LEFTOVERS

Creamy Garlic Chicken leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Refrigerate the cooked chicken with the sauce (to stop the chicken drying out) for up to 3 days in an air-tight container. Not suitable to freeze.

  • Author: Nicole
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: pan
  • Cuisine: American