Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken (The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need)

Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this sensational Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken. This dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes. Imagine perfectly pan-seared, juicy chicken breasts swimming in a luxurious, velvety sauce bursting with garlic and fresh herbs. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you’re searching for a recipe that’s quick, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, you’ve found it.

This one-pan chicken recipe is not only about incredible taste but also about ease and convenience. Everything comes together in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Let’s dive in and make the best creamy chicken dinner of your life.

Why This Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try


You’ll fall in love with this recipe from the very first bite. It’s the perfect weeknight indulgence that feels special without any of the stress. This is the meal that becomes a family favorite and a go-to for entertaining guests.

  • Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy schedules.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash is always a win!
  • Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of garlic, herbs, and a rich cream sauce is simply irresistible.
  • Perfectly Juicy Chicken: Our method ensures the chicken stays moist and tender every single time.

The Key Ingredients for Success

The magic of this dish lies in using simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.

For the Chicken

  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star. We’ll slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets for fast, even cooking.
  • All-Purpose Flour: A light dusting helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
  • Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder are all you need to season the chicken perfectly.

For the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

  • Butter & Olive Oil: This combination provides the best flavor and prevents the butter from browning too quickly.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for a robust flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: This deglazes the pan and forms the savory base of our sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: The key to a rich, luscious, and creamy sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth.
  • Fresh Herbs: A mix of finely chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary brings a vibrant, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for a flawless result. We’ve broken down the process to make it easy for any home cook to master.

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  2. Sear to Perfection: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Place the chicken in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
  3. Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to thicken. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another minute to heat through.
A fork cutting into a piece of tender Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken, revealing its moist interior.
Perfectly tender and juicy every time.

Pro Tips for a Flawless Dish

Want to elevate your Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken from great to unforgettable? These expert tips will guarantee success.

  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This ensures each piece gets a beautiful, even sear instead of steaming.
  • Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grating your own ensures a silky-smooth texture.
  • Let the Chicken Rest: After searing, let the chicken rest on a plate while you make the sauce. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping it extra moist. For another easy and juicy chicken recipe, try these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites.

Creative Variations to Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for creativity. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

  • Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions. Add them to the skillet after the garlic.
  • Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a welcome kick of heat to the sauce.
  • Make it Lemony: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end will brighten up the flavors beautifully.
An extreme close-up shot of a perfectly seared chicken breast coated in a creamy garlic herb sauce.
Look at that perfect golden-brown sear!

What to Serve with Your Chicken Masterpiece

This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of sides. The creamy sauce is perfect for soaking up with your favorite starch or bread.

  • Pasta: Serve over a bed of fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
  • Rice or Potatoes: Fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes are all fantastic choices.
  • Bread: You’ll definitely want something to mop up every last drop of that delicious sauce. Our Garlic Butter Breadsticks are the perfect companion.
  • Steamed Veggies: A side of steamed asparagus or broccoli adds a fresh, healthy component to the meal.

And if you’re looking for a sweet treat to finish the meal, you can never go wrong with our classic Crumbl-style chocolate chip cookies.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This dish makes for fantastic leftovers, if you have any! Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They may require a few extra minutes of cooking time per side to ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).


We love the combination of fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary. However, you can use other herbs like chives or oregano. If you only have dried herbs, use 1 teaspoon of a dried Italian herb blend as a substitute for the fresh herbs.


To prevent the sauce from curdling or separating, make sure you reduce the heat to low before adding the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Do not let the sauce come to a rolling boil after the cream and cheese are added.


Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative and a dairy-free butter substitute or olive oil.


This dish is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed asparagus, broccoli, or a simple green salad.


Share Your Creation!

We are confident this will become one of your favorite creamy chicken recipes. It’s a dish that brings comfort and elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort. We can’t wait to see your amazing results! If you make this recipe, please share it on Pinterest and tag us. We love seeing what you create in your kitchen!

A skillet of Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken, with juicy chicken breasts in a rich white sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.
This Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken is your new favorite 30-minute meal!

Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Recipe

An extreme close-up shot of a perfectly seared chicken breast coated in a creamy garlic herb sauce.
FL Recipes

Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken (The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need)

This Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken is a one-pan, 30-minute masterpiece. Juicy pan-seared chicken is smothered in a rich, velvety garlic herb cream sauce for an easy and elegant weeknight dinner that will impress everyone.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs, sliced horizontally into 4 cutlets
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4-6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Shallow Dish

Method
 

  1. Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lightly dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated but shaking off any excess.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary). Continue stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. Let it simmer gently for another minute for the flavors to meld. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalProtein: 45gFat: 42gFiber: 1g

Notes

For the best flavor, always use fresh garlic and herbs.
To ensure a silky smooth sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as pre-shredded varieties can make it grainy.
Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
Keyword creamy chicken,garlic herb chicken,one pan chicken

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