Garlic Chicken Breasts

Garlic Chicken Breasts is a creamy, savory, and comforting dish made with juicy pan-seared chicken nestled in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight meal easy to prepare yet elegant enough for date night or special occasions.

With golden chicken, caramelized garlic, and a luscious cream sauce, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a meal that feels restaurant-worthy. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Breasts

Garlic Chicken Breasts is comfort food done right tender, golden-seared chicken smothered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and herbs. The flavors are bold yet balanced, making this a versatile meal that everyone loves.

It’s a one-pan recipe that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, whether you’re feeding family, guests, or just treating yourself to a cozy homemade dinner. Each bite is creamy, garlicky perfection.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs total)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 whole garlic bulb (about 8–9 cloves)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to slice them in half lengthwise (if thick) to create evenly sized cutlets.

Season each piece with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Lightly dredge in flour, coating both sides and shaking off excess. The flour helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the garlic

Separate the bulb into cloves and peel them. If you prefer a milder flavor, slice the cloves in half lengthwise. Add the garlic cloves to the same skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and aromatic. Reduce the heat slightly if they begin to brown too quickly.

Step 4: Make the sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom (this adds incredible flavor). Simmer for 3–4 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid.

Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, the heavy cream, and garlic powder. Stir well and cook for another 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Return the chicken

Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer on low for 3–4 minutes so the chicken absorbs the garlicky cream flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm over your favorite sides fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy risotto, or buttered noodles. Spoon extra sauce over each portion and garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.

Expert Tips for Success

• Smash or slice the garlic: Whole cloves give soft, mild flavor; slicing them creates a more intense garlic kick.

• Don’t rush the sear: Let the chicken develop a good golden crust before flipping for maximum flavor.

• Use real cream: Heavy cream ensures a rich, smooth consistency lighter alternatives may cause the sauce to split.

• Deglaze properly: Scrape up all the caramelized bits (fond) from the pan that’s where the deep flavor lives.

• Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth. If too thin, let it simmer a few minutes longer.

Tasty Variations to Try

• Mushroom garlic chicken: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms when sautéing the garlic for an earthy twist.

• Spinach version: Toss in a handful of baby spinach at the end for color and extra nutrients.

• Lemon-garlic style: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy balance.

• Cheesy upgrade: Stir in ⅓ cup grated Parmesan before returning the chicken to the skillet for a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce.

• Herbed cream sauce: Mix in fresh thyme or chopped basil for an herb-forward finish.

Serving Ideas

• Weeknight dinner: Quick and satisfying, perfect for busy evenings.

• Romantic meal: Serve with roasted asparagus and a side salad for a simple but elegant plate.

• Family-style: Present in the skillet at the table with a bowl of buttery mashed potatoes.

• Meal prep: Portion with rice and a side of green beans for a ready-to-heat lunch.

• Holiday-worthy: This dish pairs beautifully with special occasion sides like roasted carrots or wild rice pilaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and stay juicy. Adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take an extra minute or two per side.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use olive oil or vegan butter for sautéing and replace the cream with canned coconut milk it adds richness without dairy.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Can I freeze Garlic Chicken?

Yes, though creamy sauces can separate slightly after freezing. Store cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a saucepan, whisking to recombine the sauce.

What sides pair well?

Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Garlic Chicken Breasts

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Golden-seared chicken cutlets simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Tender chicken with caramelized garlic and silky cream sauce makes a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter, divided
• 1 whole garlic bulb (about 8–9 cloves), peeled
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and slice in half lengthwise if thick. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour and shake off excess.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.
3. Cook garlic cloves in same skillet 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently. Reduce heat if browning too fast.
4. Add chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Simmer 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in remaining butter, heavy cream, and garlic powder. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce on top, and simmer on low 3–4 minutes to absorb flavors.
6. Serve chicken with sauce alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Garnish with parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Whole garlic yields mild, caramelized flavor; sliced cloves add intensity.

Sear chicken until golden for richer flavor.

Heavy cream provides best creamy texture.

Scrape browned bits — they add essential flavor.

Adjust sauce thickness by adding broth or simmering longer.

• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: garlic chicken breasts, creamy garlic chicken, skillet chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe, comfort food chicken