The rich aroma of garlic simmering in butter will instantly bring your kitchen to life with warmth and savory anticipation. This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-level flavor in just one pan—perfect for any night you want a decadent yet easy meal. What makes this dish truly special is how the garlic caramelizes into a mellow sweetness, blending seamlessly with the Parmesan-spiked cream sauce. Whether served over fluffy mashed potatoes or alongside roasted vegetables, it’s a soul-satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new staple in your rotation.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
Chicken:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3–4 small)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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3 tsp Italian seasoning
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⅓ cup all-purpose flour
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4 tbsp Parmesan cheese, shredded
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3 tbsp olive oil
Sauce:
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3 tbsp butter
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10 whole garlic cloves
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2½ cups chicken broth
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1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon)
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1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp mustard powder
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Prep the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner cutlets (2–3 per breast). Pound to ½-inch thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dredge in a mix of flour and Parmesan, shaking off the excess.
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Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
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Make the sauce base: Melt butter in the same skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom (fond) for extra flavor. Add garlic cloves and cook for 6–7 minutes until caramelized.
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Build the sauce: Stir in 3 tbsp flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme while whisking. Add heavy cream.
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Simmer and finish: Bring sauce to a boil, reduce to low heat, and add Parmesan. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Cover partially and simmer for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 488 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction: The Allure of Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is more than just another chicken recipe—it’s the kind of comfort food that turns ordinary evenings into memorable dinners. Created by Stephanie from The Cozy Cook, this dish blends restaurant-quality depth with easy, home-cooked simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress guests, it checks every box: rich, flavorful, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
Recipe Background & Inspiration
Stephanie, known for her cozy and hearty cooking style, designed this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe with simplicity and flavor in mind. It’s featured in her cookbook The Cozy Cookbook (page 99), a collection of beloved, reader-favorite recipes. This particular dish reflects her approach: bold flavors, clever technique, and a love for classic comfort. This recipe was crafted to appeal to garlic lovers without overwhelming the palate. By using whole garlic cloves and caramelizing them before adding them to the sauce, the garlic becomes mellow, slightly sweet, and complex—offering a subtle but unmistakable depth.
Cooking Technique Highlights
1. Perfectly Seared Chicken
The chicken breasts are sliced thin and dredged in a mixture of flour and Parmesan cheese, giving them a golden, crispy crust when seared. Proper searing techniques are emphasized to build flavor through fond (the browned bits on the bottom of the pan), which becomes the base of the sauce.
2. Caramelized Garlic for Depth
Instead of minced garlic, Stephanie uses whole garlic cloves, caramelizing them in butter. This gives the dish a unique, gourmet edge and prevents the sharpness of raw garlic from overpowering the dish.
3. One-Pan Wonder
It all comes together in a single skillet—chicken, garlic, gravy—making cleanup a breeze and locking in flavors.
The Sauce: A Creamy Garlic Dream
The star of the show is undoubtedly the creamy, savory garlic gravy. It’s built slowly and deliberately:
- Base: Butter, flour, and caramelized garlic
- Liquids: Chicken broth and heavy cream
- Umami & Herbs: Parmesan cheese, soy sauce, thyme, mustard powder, onion powder, and a touch of beef bouillon
Together, these ingredients form a rich, silky sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken—and anything else on your plate, like mashed potatoes or green beans.
Best Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes: Ideal for soaking up the extra sauce
- Roasted Green Beans: A light, crisp contrast to the creamy sauce
- Buttered Noodles or Rice: A kid-friendly option that still feels satisfying
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Optional but highly recommended for extra umami
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Balanced Garlic Flavor
Using whole cloves offers garlic flavor without pungency. Caramelization transforms the cloves, providing subtle sweetness and umami.
Restaurant Quality at Home
The layering of flavor through searing, fond, broth reduction, and cream infusion mirrors classic French cooking—yet it’s all simplified for the average home cook.
Versatile & Freezer-Friendly
The recipe freezes beautifully. Whether prepping ahead for a busy weeknight or saving leftovers, it’s ideal for meal planning.
One Skillet, Full Meal
Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Everything happens in one pan, which makes it practical for busy households.
Nutrition & Dietary Considerations
Each serving contains about:
- Calories: 488 kcal
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 37g (including 17g saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sodium: 1860mg
Though rich, the recipe offers solid protein and can be paired with lighter sides like steamed broccoli or a crisp salad to balance the meal. Substitutions like light cream or reduced-sodium broth can also be used.
Tools That Make It Easier
Stephanie recommends a few tools that enhance the cooking process:
- Le Creuset Skillet: Excellent for even heat distribution
- Garlic Peeler: Speeds up prep time
- Tongs & Silicone Spatula: Essential for handling chicken and preserving fond
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Microwave at 50% power from frozen or bake in a covered dish at 350°F for 20–25 minutes
Pro Tips from The Cozy Cook
- Don’t force the chicken off the pan—let it naturally release when ready.
- Use a meat mallet to ensure even thickness, promoting consistent cooking.
- Add mushrooms separately for better color and texture.
- Always build the sauce slowly, stirring often to prevent curdling and ensure smoothness.
From the Cookbook: The Cozy Kitchen Touch
This recipe is more than just instructions—it’s a reflection of Stephanie’s food philosophy: cozy, nostalgic, and just a little bit indulgent. The Cozy Cookbook brings that warmth to every recipe, with Creamy Garlic Chicken being a standout for its balance of home-cooked comfort and elevated technique.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of those recipes that becomes part of your regular rotation. It’s reliable, crowd-pleasing, and adaptable. Whether it’s for a midweek family dinner, a romantic date night, or a make-ahead meal for a friend, this dish delivers every time. If you’re looking to bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your kitchen, this is the recipe for you.