There’s something universally comforting about tender chicken coated in a rich, garlicky sauce. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet is perfect for those nights when you want a cozy, satisfying meal that still feels elevated. Made with everyday ingredients and packed with flavor, it strikes a balance between restaurant-quality and homestyle comfort. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or prepping a delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers warmth and depth in every bite.
The technique here is simple but effective — searing the chicken until golden adds a crisp texture and rich taste. Meanwhile, the sauce, built on garlic, butter, and a creamy broth base, wraps everything in savory silkiness. It’s finished with Parmesan for that salty, cheesy kick, and served beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
This dish is highly versatile and can be adapted to your taste — add mushrooms, swap the protein, or make it slightly lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. With minimal prep and incredible results, it’s no wonder this kind of meal becomes a go-to favorite.
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 garlic cloves, peeled
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon beef base
- 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Mix the chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a small bowl and set aside.
- On a plate, combine flour and shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Slice each chicken breast into 2-3 thinner cutlets. Pound to about ½ inch thick using a meat mallet between plastic wrap. Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, tapping off excess.
2. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken cutlets in batches for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
3. Build the Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
- Add garlic cloves and cook for 6-7 minutes until caramelized and fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the broth mixture.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and add Parmesan cheese, if using.
4. Finish:
- Return chicken and juices to the pan. Spoon sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with your choice of sides.
Nutritional Notes & Dietary Considerations
This creamy garlic chicken is rich in protein and contains healthy fats from olive oil and dairy. The garlic offers heart-supporting compounds, while the chicken provides lean nutrition. To make it lighter, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative. This dish does contain gluten and dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies or intolerances unless modifications are made (e.g., using gluten-free flour or dairy substitutes). For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium broth and omit the bouillon.
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