Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this dish. They may require slightly less pounding to flatten and will typically stay more tender and juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed - thighs may cook a bit faster.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter, replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and omit the Parmesan cheese. You may want to add nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you don't have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce won't be as rich. For a lighter option, try evaporated milk. In a pinch, whole milk mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter can approximate the richness of cream.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish reheats wonderfully. Prepare completely, cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a 325°F oven covered with foil until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

What sides pair well with creamy garlic chicken?

Beyond the suggested mashed potatoes and green beans, this dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a simple side salad would also complement the rich, creamy flavors.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part - the meat should be white throughout with no pink, and juices should run clear.

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Category: Wholesome Meals for Every Day

This delicious dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy made with caramelized whole garlic cloves. The chicken is seasoned with Italian herbs, dredged in a Parmesan-flour mixture, then seared until golden. The silky sauce combines chicken broth, butter, and cream for luxurious texture. Everything comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup easy. Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete meal that tastes gourmet but is simple enough for weeknight cooking.

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By Lena

Updated on Sun, 27 Apr 2025 19:17:26 GMT

A bowl of food with chicken, potatoes, and green beans. | recipesbylena.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this dish. They may require slightly less pounding to flatten and will typically stay more tender and juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed - thighs may cook a bit faster.
→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?: To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter, replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and omit the Parmesan cheese. You may want to add nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?: If you don't have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce won't be as rich. For a lighter option, try evaporated milk. In a pinch, whole milk mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter can approximate the richness of cream.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?: Yes! This dish reheats wonderfully. Prepare completely, cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a 325°F oven covered with foil until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
→ What sides pair well with creamy garlic chicken?: Beyond the suggested mashed potatoes and green beans, this dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a simple side salad would also complement the rich, creamy flavors.
→ How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part - the meat should be white throughout with no pink, and juices should run clear.

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Tender chicken smothered in rich, flavorful gravy with caramelized garlic cloves that add perfect gourmet balance.

Prep Time

15 min

Cooking Time

40 min

Total Time

55 min

By: Lena

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine Type: American

Yield: 4 Serves (4 chicken portions with creamy garlic sauce)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

02 Salt and freshly ground black pepper

03 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings

04 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

05 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

06 3 tablespoons olive oil

→ Sauce

07 2 ½ cups chicken broth

08 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon better than bouillon)

09 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce

10 1 teaspoon onion powder

11 ½ teaspoon dried thyme

12 ½ teaspoon mustard powder

13 3 tablespoons butter

14 10 whole cloves garlic

15 3 tablespoons flour

16 ½ cup heavy cream

17 ½ cup Parmesan cheese

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Combine chicken broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Mix flour and Parmesan cheese on a plate and measure remaining ingredients before beginning.

Step 02

Slice chicken breasts lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Cover with plastic wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound to ½ inch thickness. Pat completely dry.

Step 03

Season each side of chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge in the flour-Parmesan mixture, tapping off excess.

Step 04

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust develops. Set aside on a plate.

Step 05

Melt butter in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Use a silicone spatula to deglaze the bottom of the pan. Add garlic cloves and cook until softened and caramelized, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 06

Add flour to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw flour smell dissipates, stirring constantly.

Step 07

Add the prepared broth mixture gradually in splashes, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

Step 08

Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and sauce is smooth.

Step 09

Return chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Spoon sauce over chicken, cover partially, and simmer for 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and flavors meld.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete meal.

Additional Notes

If using smaller chicken breasts, consider using 3-4 instead of 2 large.
Mushrooms make an excellent addition; sauté them separately and stir into the sauce at the end.
Worcestershire sauce can be substituted for soy sauce if needed.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.