Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 500g chicken breast, sliced thinly; 1 brown onion, diced; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/2 cup chicken stock; 1/2 cup thickened cream; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

This recipe stands out because it transforms everyday pantry staples into a luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to golden‑seared chicken. It’s both approachable for novice cooks and a crowd‑pleaser for family dinners. The meal feels fancy but requires minimal prep and comes together quickly — ideal for weekday cooking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 4 steaks
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
¼ cup plain (all-purpose) flour
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter

Sauce
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
½ cup chicken stock
300 ml thickened (heavy) cream
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ cup grated parmesan
Sea salt flakes, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

To serve
Mashed potatoes, steamed rice or pasta
Steamed greens
1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Lemon wedges

Directions

Coat the chicken – Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, onion powder and thyme. Press the chicken into the flour so all sides are evenly coated.
Cook the chicken – Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, until just cooked through, turning once halfway.
Set chicken aside – Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Make the sauce – In the same pan, add the butter for the sauce. Once melted, add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
Build the sauce – Add the chicken stock and cook 1–2 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in the cream and Dijon mustard, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish – Stir through the parmesan and season to taste. Return the chicken to the pan for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Serve – Plate the chicken with your choice of sides, top with parsley and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts — cook 6–8 minutes until done.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Swap half the cream for Greek yogurt after cooking for a lighter sauce (stir in off heat to prevent curdling).
• Serve over pasta or creamy polenta to turn this into a hearty comfort meal.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container with the sauce to prevent the chicken from drying out.
To reheat on the stovetop, warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally; add a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens.
Microwave in short bursts, stirring between, and add liquid if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

What’s the best way to get a golden sear on the chicken?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and make sure the pan is hot before adding the oil and butter.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes — use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging the chicken.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes — you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

No — the creamy sauce doesn’t freeze well and can separate when thawed.

What should I serve with creamy garlic chicken?

Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice or steamed vegetables all pair nicely.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes — boneless, skinless thighs work well but may need slightly longer cooking.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from splitting?

Simmer gently over medium to low heat and avoid boiling once the cream is added.

Can I make the sauce without Dijon mustard?

Yes — while it adds depth, you can omit it or substitute with whole-grain mustard.

How do I add more garlic flavor?

Increase the amount of minced garlic or add roasted garlic for a sweeter profile.

Can I add herbs to the sauce?

Fresh thyme or parsley added at the end enhances the flavor.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick, satisfying recipe that turns simple ingredients into a delicious meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding family or guests, the rich garlic cream sauce and perfectly seared chicken make this dish a memorable weeknight favorite. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a complete and comforting dinner.