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    Home » Chicken & Poultry

    Creamy Garlic Chicken

    Published: Dec 4, 2018 / Updated: Apr 30, 2023 / 1,460 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This creamy garlic chicken recipe is the ultimate easy comfort food! Tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic sauce are irresistible. Garlic lovers unite!

    Love creamy chicken recipes? Try my Creamy Tuscan Chicken, this Creamy Bacon Chicken, or my Creamy Mushroom Chicken.

    cast iron skillet with chicken breasts and a creamy garlic sauce with whole cloves of garlic

    Why you'll love it

    This creamy garlic chicken is ready in about 30 minutes. It's good enough to serve company, but it's also one of those dishes that works for a quick weeknight dinner. A lovely reader said that it's "one of the best things I have ever eaten!!!" It was an early hit on the blog and actually shaped the direction of S&L towards easy comfort food.

    Yes, I include both garlic powder and an entire head of garlic in this recipe. It's not a typo! Believe it or not, the garlic cloves themselves don't make the sauce ridiculously garlicky. The flavor of garlic powder is slightly different than the fresh cloves. I'm going for all-out depth of garlic flavor here without making it overpowering.

    What you'll need

    • Chicken - we're using two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise to cook faster and more evenly, so it remains tender and melt-in-your-mouth
    • Flour - for a tasty crust on the exterior of the cutlets, and it also helps thicken the sauce
    • Olive oil and butter - for sautéing
    • Garlic cloves - use an entire head of garlic. Don't worry if you don't have the exact same number of cloves as I used. It's not precise.
    • Chicken broth - for the savory base of the sauce
    • Lemon juice - a little bit of acidity for balance
    • Garlic powder - for a different garlicky aspect! It's a staple in my pantry.
    • Heavy cream - it's what makes the sauce luxuriously rich
    ingredients for creamy garlic chicken on a marble countertop

    Do I eat the garlic cloves?

    • You do! If you've never really cooked with whole garlic cloves before, don't worry. Cooking them in the sauce mellows them right out. It's nothing like biting into raw garlic.
    creamy garlic chicken on a plate with mashed potatoes and green beans

    How to make creamy garlic chicken

    This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

    pan frying chicken in a cast iron skillet and then frying garlic cloves

    Cut the chicken breasts into four cutlets, season with salt & pepper, and coat with flour. Pan fry until golden, and then take them out of the skillet. Lightly brown the garlic cloves in the same pan.

    making sauce for creamy garlic chicken in a cast iron skillet

    Add the broth, lemon juice, and garlic powder to the skillet. Let it up bubble for a few minutes until the liquid has reduced somewhat. Pour in the cream, and return the chicken to the pan to cook until it reaches 165F inside and the sauce thickens. Garnish with parsley if desired.

    Tools for this recipe

    Check out Natasha's favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!

    • You don't have to spend a lot time peeling the garlic cloves. Use a silicone garlic peeler tube, or buy garlic cloves that are already peeled if you really want to save a bit of time. I usually just use my knife. Here's a quick video tutorial how.
    • My trusty 10.25" Lodge cast iron skillet is a versatile piece for every home cook.
    • Use a chef's knife to cut the chicken effortlessly.
    • Chicken is safe to eat at 165F, and the best way to never have undercooked or overcooked meat is using an instant read thermometer.

    Substitutions and variations

    • Sub the cream at your own discretion. If you use something like milk or half-and-half, the sauce may curdle due to the high heat and end up thinner. I recommend reading through the reader comments. There's tons of tips from readers who have tweaked this recipe to their liking.
    • I use boneless/skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can substitute for chicken thighs, but keep in mind those may take a bit longer to cook.
    • For an elegant touch, swap the chicken broth for a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc.
    • Readers have tried minced garlic in a jar, but the results won't be the same and our kitchen has not tested that. You're welcome to experiment.
    close-up of creamy chicken skillet with garlic cream sauce

    What to serve with creamy garlic chicken

    • Try Mashed Potatoes, a classic Easy Baked Potato, rice, pasta, or scoop up those tasty garlic cloves with fresh crusty bread.
    • For veggie sides, I suggest sweet corn, Maple Roasted Beets and Carrots, or my very delicious Easy Roasted Cauliflower recipe. Green beans would also go great.
    • If you're pairing it with a salad, I love this Super Simple Parmesan Arugula Salad or going all out with my popular 10-Minute Caesar Dressing.

    Leftovers and storage

    • Store any leftovers of this creamy chicken in the fridge in a covered container for 3-4 days.
    • Reheat in a saucepan slowly and over a low heat until warmed through.
    • I don't recommend freezing this one. The chicken will dry out, and creamy sauces don't hold up well in the freezer.

    More 30-minute chicken recipes

    • Creamy Dijon Rosemary Chicken
    • Chicken Marsala
    • Easy Baked Chicken Breast
    • One Pot Chicken and Noodles
    • Easy Chicken Piccata
    creamy garlic chicken in a cast iron skillet with whole garlic cloves and plenty of garlic cream sauce

    If you made this creamy garlic chicken recipe, leave a star rating and comment below! Questions the post didn't answer? Let me know. You can find me on Instagram and showcase your creations with #saltandlavender.

    This creamy chicken skillet recipe is loaded with garlic and the the most amazing melt-in-your-mouth chicken. Make it for dinner tonight!

    Creamy Garlic Chicken

    This creamy garlic chicken recipe is the ultimate easy comfort food! Tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic sauce are irresistible. Garlic lovers unite!
    4.87 from 416 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 435 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • Flour for dredging
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons butter divided
    • 1 whole head garlic cloves peeled
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
    • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • Salt & pepper to taste
    • Parsley chopped (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the chicken in half lengthwise so you have 4 smaller cutlets. Generously season them with salt & pepper and coat them in the flour. 
    • Add the olive oil and 1 tbsp of the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, sauté the chicken for 4-5 minutes/side or until it's nice and golden. Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside.
    • Reduce the heat to medium (or even med-low if using cast iron), and add the rest of the butter to the pan. Let it melt and then add the garlic cloves. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until they're lightly browned on the outside. 
    • Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and garlic powder to the pan. Let it bubble for around 4 minutes or until the liquid is noticeably reduced. 
    • Stir in the cream and add the chicken back into the pan. Let it cook for another 5 minutes or so, until the sauce is reduced and the chicken is cooked through. Serve with freshly chopped parsley if you wish.

    Notes

    • I recommend using fairly large boneless/skinless chicken breasts for this recipe since we're cutting them in half lengthwise. If you have smaller ones, use 4 of them and leave them intact.
    • If your garlic cloves are particularly gigantic like some of mine were, feel free to cut them in half so they're all roughly the same size.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 435kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 26gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 169mgSodium: 313mgPotassium: 514mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1083IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword creamy garlic chicken recipe
    Author Natasha Bull
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    1. Barb Freund says

      June 8, 2023 at 7:39 AM

      5 stars
      An absolute hit! Cane together so easily. My family loved it. This is something I would serve to company. Fabulous flavor and easy to make.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 8, 2023 at 11:59 AM

        So happy you liked it, Barb!! Thank you!!

        Reply
    2. Patricia says

      May 31, 2023 at 4:18 PM

      5 stars
      Very easy and I love the flavor! The only thing I adjusted was the temp of cooking the chicken breasts; medium high is too high and burns the butter so I cooked at a lower temp and about one minute less per side.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 31, 2023 at 6:28 PM

        Glad you enjoyed it, Patricia! I have never burned the butter using my gas stove and cast iron pan on medium-high, but you can for sure adjust the temp/timing as needed for your stove and skillet. Thanks for your review! 😀

        Reply
    3. Em says

      May 28, 2023 at 9:27 AM

      I will be trying this recipe tonight switching out the heavy cream for sour cream and cream cheese cuz I need to use them up! I will post later tonight how well it went and if I recommend switching the ingredients out. It most likely will be half of cream cheese and half of sour cream. I plan to serve the chicken with noodles tossed in the leftover sauce with some type of veggie on the side.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 28, 2023 at 10:23 AM

        Yes, let me know! I think readers have done the swap before.

        Reply
    4. Becky C says

      May 22, 2023 at 6:42 PM

      5 stars
      This recipe will make anyone look like a cooking superstar! It’s super easy and beyond delicious. I usually service it smashed red potatoes and sautéed greens beans. This recipe is a must!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 22, 2023 at 10:20 PM

        Aww thank you so much, Becky!!

        Reply
    5. Linda Anderson says

      May 2, 2023 at 8:49 AM

      Can you use half and half if I don’t have heavy cream? Or do the sour cream like some did .
      How much half and half would I sub in, same as heavy cream?
      What about sour cream how much did people use instead of heavy cream? Thanks

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 2, 2023 at 11:07 AM

        I'd use the same amount of half-and-half, but keep in mind the sauce will take longer to thicken, and it could curdle due to the high heat it's cooked at, so I'd ensure the pan isn't screaming hot when you add it. Not sure about sour cream.

        Reply
      • Meg says

        May 13, 2023 at 11:06 AM

        I used 1 cup whole milk and added some guyere cheese so it thickened, amazing!

        Reply
    6. Tiffany M Diehr says

      April 11, 2023 at 10:59 AM

      5 stars
      Yummy

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 11, 2023 at 11:05 AM

        Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    7. Anna says

      April 8, 2023 at 4:14 PM

      Great!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 8, 2023 at 6:52 PM

        Thank you!

        Reply
    8. Morgan says

      April 7, 2023 at 7:34 PM

      4 stars
      Really good recipe. Love the simplicity of it but full of flavor.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 8, 2023 at 8:27 AM

        Thank you, Morgan!

        Reply
    9. Dorian Mercedes Foster says

      April 6, 2023 at 11:01 AM

      5 stars
      absolutely five star on the first shot. I had to sub sour cream for the heavy cream and it still came out amazing! They will go for seconds on this one!! Chicken was nice and moist too btw. Thank you Natasha!!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        April 6, 2023 at 11:08 AM

        It's our pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
      • Roxanne says

        April 15, 2023 at 11:50 PM

        5 stars
        I too used the sour cream thanks to your comment...It was delish. Thank you for the suggestion.

        Reply
    10. Michelle -Family of 5 says

      April 6, 2023 at 9:56 AM

      5 stars
      So quick for such gourmet flavor! Not a drop left. Family requested this recipe to be added to the keeper pile. I added more lemon juice and garlic powder. Paired
      with canned green beans and lemon pepper was perfect for the extra sauce. Thank U Saltandlavender! Mmm so yummy!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        April 6, 2023 at 11:07 AM

        So happy it's a new family favorite, Michelle!

        Reply
    11. Karla says

      April 3, 2023 at 7:23 PM

      5 stars
      Made this tonight and I am OBSESSED, could literally drink the sauce. 😂 Will definitely be making again! I added pepper flakes spinach & a bit of Parmesan & it came out sooo good.(But was also amazing without, I just wanted a little kick to it & some greens in there) thank you so much for sharing this recipe it is now one of my favorite dishes to make. I made mashed potatoes & broccoli as sides.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 3, 2023 at 9:27 PM

        You're very welcome, Karla!! 😀 Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    12. Patty says

      March 29, 2023 at 6:02 AM

      5 stars
      Creamy garlic chicken is my 7 year old grandson’s favorite chicken dinner. He absolutely loves it and I make it for him when he stays overnight. Seven year olds can be very picky, but not with this recipe. He tells me it’s “delicious”, every time.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 29, 2023 at 9:34 AM

        Your comment made my day, Patty!! That is adorable!

        Reply
    13. Gideon Lingle says

      March 28, 2023 at 6:03 PM

      5 stars
      Good recipe! I prefer using cream cheese as a heavy cream substitute; it works well with the garlic and thickens up quicker.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 28, 2023 at 6:08 PM

        Yup, that'll definitely work to give it more of a tangy flavor. Glad you enjoyed it, Gideon! 🙂

        Reply
        • David Porcelli says

          May 8, 2023 at 7:03 PM

          How much of the cream cheese should be used? Thank you.

          Reply
    14. Deana westman says

      March 27, 2023 at 4:56 PM

      5 stars
      I’ve made this at least 50 times it’s the only way my child will eat chicken if it’s not chicken strips I highly recommend this recipe to any mom of finicky eaters it’s so delicious!!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 27, 2023 at 9:17 PM

        That's awesome!! 😀 Thanks so much!

        Reply
    15. Neisha says

      March 16, 2023 at 4:42 PM

      5 stars
      Oh my yum!! I’m always afraid of over/undercooking chicken breasts so I never pan fry them but this recipe is so easy! I used the thin sliced chicken breasts from Costco. I will for sure be making this again!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 17, 2023 at 11:34 AM

        Yay! So happy it was a hit, Neisha!

        Reply
    16. Kelsey says

      March 16, 2023 at 7:06 AM

      It doesn't say to take the garlic cloves out.. which I'm assuming you do?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 16, 2023 at 10:27 AM

        You eat them. I explain in the blog post how they mellow out. 🙂 Hope you enjoy the recipe, Kelsey!

        Reply
    17. Tania says

      February 21, 2023 at 6:34 PM

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 21, 2023 at 6:41 PM

        Thank you, Tania!! 🙂

        Reply
    18. Alissa B says

      February 21, 2023 at 3:26 AM

      5 stars
      This was really delicious - just what I was wanting! Super easy to follow, I increased the amount of garlic powder to 1/2 tsp and it was perfect. Also added just a splash of dry white wine.
      Such a great recipe, I'll be saving this and making it again soon!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 21, 2023 at 11:18 AM

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    19. Laurie says

      February 14, 2023 at 8:52 PM

      5 stars
      Delicious and easy!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 15, 2023 at 11:39 AM

        So glad you liked it, Laurie! 😀

        Reply
    20. Angel Tejada says

      February 14, 2023 at 8:49 AM

      I served this over mofongo I did the plantain one and one with cassava and one mixed plantain malanga and cassava. Since mofongo has garlic as an ingredient it worked perfect and looked amazing ty for your take on creamy garlic chicken

      Reply
    21. Tasha says

      February 11, 2023 at 9:06 AM

      5 stars
      Instead of the chicken breast, I used drumsticks and thighs which made my dish a little oily. Over all it still turned out good. I’ll just make sure I use the chicken breast next time.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 11, 2023 at 10:46 AM

        I'm glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
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    Natasha Bull, founder and author of Salt & Lavender, in the kitchen

    Hi! I'm Natasha. Salt & Lavender is a recipe blog with a focus on delicious comfort food using everyday ingredients. Beat the weekday grind with hundreds of easy-to-follow and hassle-free recipes!  Read more...

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