One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe (Weeknight Favorite You’ll Make on Repeat)
There’s something magical about a one-pot meal. Fewer dishes, less fuss, and maximum flavor. And when that one-pot dinner involves tender chicken bathed in a creamy garlic sauce? You know you’ve hit dinner gold.
This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is everything I want on a busy weeknight—rich, comforting, and done in under 30 minutes. It’s fancy enough to impress, but easy enough to whip up after a long day when all you want is to put your feet up and eat something that doesn’t come out of a takeout box.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in one pan (hello, easy cleanup)
- Creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
- Family-approved comfort food
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the creamy garlic sauce:
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried thyme/oregano combo)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
| Serving Size:4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes |
Instructions
Step 1: Season and sear the chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the garlic sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—don’t let the garlic brown.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let simmer for a couple of minutes.
Step 3: Return chicken to the pan
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and simmer for another 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thickened.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a bed of steamed veggies.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Don’t overcook the garlic. Burnt garlic will turn bitter fast. Keep the heat at medium and sauté just until fragrant.
- Thin your chicken. If your chicken breasts are extra thick, slice them in half horizontally for quicker, more even cooking.
- Deglaze like a pro. Scraping up the brown bits in the pan adds a ton of flavor to your sauce.
- Cream too thin? Cornstarch slurry works like a charm. Don’t go overboard—start with just a teaspoon.
Variations to Try
You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or your flavor cravings:
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra umami.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Swap the protein: This sauce works beautifully with pork chops or shrimp too.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower mash or roasted veggies.
- Add spinach: Toss in a handful of baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.
FAQs About Creamy Garlic Chicken
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If reheating, do so gently over low heat and add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Technically yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. Whole milk works better than skim, and adding a little cornstarch can help with consistency.
What’s the best side dish to serve with this?
Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or crusty bread are all excellent choices for soaking up the sauce.
Can I freeze creamy garlic chicken?
Cream-based sauces can separate after freezing, so it’s not ideal. If you do freeze it, reheat gently while stirring constantly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you skip the cornstarch (or use a gluten-free version) and make sure your broth is certified gluten-free.
Related Post: Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is one of those weeknight winners that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing and has everyone asking, “What’s for dinner?” before they even set the table.
Once you make this creamy garlic sauce from scratch, it’s hard to go back to the store-bought stuff. And because it all comes together in a single skillet, clean-up is just as satisfying as the first bite.
Try it out and let me know what you think—or how you customize it to make it your own.