Creamy Garlic Chicken – One-Pan Dinner

If you love rich, cozy comfort food that comes together in one pan, this Creamy Garlic Chicken will instantly become a weeknight favorite. The tender seared chicken simmers in a velvety garlic cream sauce that feels restaurant-worthy yet incredibly simple. Every bite delivers buttery, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, pasta, or warm bread. This is the kind of recipe people save on Pinterest because it works for busy nights and also shines on special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with bold garlic flavor simmered in a silky sauce.
• Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• One-pan method keeps cleanup easy and stress-free.
• Versatile enough for weeknight dinners and hosting.
• Pairs beautifully with pasta, potatoes, rice, and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional for thicker sauce)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Transfer chicken to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle flour into the skillet and whisk to absorb butter and garlic.
6. Pour in chicken broth and whisk until the mixture becomes smooth.
7. Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer.
8. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the creamy sauce.
9. Reduce heat to low and simmer 8–10 minutes until chicken cooks through and the sauce thickens.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for a richer, juicier result.
• Add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and color.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Swap Italian seasoning with paprika and thyme for a deeper savory flavor.
• Add grated Parmesan to the sauce for extra richness.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat; add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thawing: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Best Results: Reheat slowly to prevent cream separation.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Spoon over creamy mashed potatoes.
• Serve with buttered pasta or linguine.
• Pair with steamed rice or wild rice blend.
• Add roasted broccoli, asparagus, or sautéed spinach on the side.
• Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes. Chicken thighs create a richer and more tender texture. Adjust the simmering time as needed since thighs may require a few extra minutes to reach full doneness. The sauce coats the thighs beautifully and holds up well during longer cooking.

Will the sauce thicken more as it cools?

The cream sauce continues to thicken as it rests. If it becomes too thick for your liking, stir in a splash of broth or cream while reheating. This restores the silky consistency without diluting the flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes. You can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance, then store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, bring everything back to a gentle simmer for a few minutes. This method keeps the texture of the sauce smooth and prevents overcooking the chicken.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or coconut cream. Each substitute creates a slightly different texture. If you use a lighter liquid, add a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry to maintain the sauce’s thickness.

Ready to Make It?

This creamy garlic chicken fills your kitchen with a warm aroma and delivers comforting flavors in every bite. Save this recipe so you can return to it whenever you want an easy skillet dinner that feels special without the extra work.

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