This dish is proof that you can turn pantry staples into a gourmet-tasting meal. This creamy garlic chicken is restaurant quality and you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes. The secret? Use minced garlic as well as whole cloves!
Ingredients For Creamy Garlic Chicken
To make this creamy, garlicky chicken dish you need the following ingredients:
- Thin-cut chicken breasts
- Flour
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken stock
- Heavy whipping cream
- Fresh parsley
How To Make Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika on both sides.
- Place the flour and grated Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish and mix to combine.
- Dredge the seasoned chicken breasts in the flour mixture shaking off the excess.
- Heat a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter.
- Pan-fry the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, saute the onion adding 1 more tbsp of oil and 1 more tbsp of butter.
- Add the smashed garlic cloves to the skillet along with the whole cloves and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, deglaze the skillet, and scrape the bottom to release any bits and pieces of chicken that might have stuck to the bottom. Simmer for 4 minutes.
- Making sure the heat is on low, add the heavy cream and gently simmer for 2 minutes. Add the parmesan cheese and gently cook until melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper if needed.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, cover with sauce, and simmer for 2 additional minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can. You can use chicken any cut of chicken you prefer. Keep in mind that the cooking time for bone-in chicken is higher than that for boneless chicken breasts.
How To Prevent Chicken Breasts From Drying Out?
Do not overcook them. If you are using thin-sliced chicken breasts, make sure the skillet is hot before searing them on both sides. Cook them on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 F (74 C).

Quick & Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken: Ready In 20 Mins
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 thin-cut chicken breasts
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- ⅓ cup onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, whole
- 1 ¼ cup chicken stock
- 1 ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika on both sides.
- Place the flour and grated Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish and mix to combine.
- Dredge the seasoned chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
- Heat a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter.
- Pan-fry the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, saute the onion, adding one more tbsp of oil and one more tbsp of butter.
- Add the smashed garlic cloves to the skillet along with the whole cloves and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, deglaze the skillet, and scrape the bottom to release any bits and pieces of chicken that might have stuck to the bottom. Simmer for 4 minutes.
- Making sure the heat is on low, add the heavy cream and gently simmer for 2 minutes. Then, add the parmesan cheese and gently cook until melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper if needed.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, cover with sauce, and simmer for 2 more minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
You can use half and half, or evaporated milk, which will also reduce the amount of calories. These will produce a slightly thinner sauce, so might want to simmer the sauce for a bit longer if you like it thicker.
Is It OK to Use Pre-Minced Garlic?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine. The flavor of the dish will not be altered.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?
Yes. I recommend cooking the chicken and sauce separately and storing them in the fridge on separate containers. Once you are ready to serve the dish, you can reheat them in the same pan. You might have to add a bit more chicken broth or cream to thin the sauce out a bit.
What Sides Pair Well With This Dish?
Mashed potatoes, cooked white rice, steamed veggies, or a side salad.
What Veggies Can I Add To This Dish?
You can add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Add them after the garlic is sauteed and before adding the cream.