There’s something universally comforting about creamy garlic chicken. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, whether you’ve had a long day or just want to treat yourself to something rich, flavorful, and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for home cooks looking to create a restaurant-style dish in their own kitchen, with simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance that even beginners can follow confidently.
In this post, you’ll find a complete recipe for creamy garlic chicken served with a side of herb-infused mashed potatoes. We’ll walk through the ingredients, prep steps, and pro tips to make sure your dish is full of flavor and cooked to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy garlic chicken recipe delivers on taste and texture. It features juicy pan-seared chicken breasts in a silky, garlicky cream sauce with a hint of thyme and parmesan. Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes scented with fresh herbs, and you’ve got a hearty meal that works for both weeknights and dinner parties.
It’s also highly customizable. You can swap the chicken breast for thighs, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even make it dairy-free by using coconut cream and olive oil. You can add spinach, mushrooms, or a splash of white wine to the sauce. The base recipe is reliable, but you can make it your own.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Garlic Chicken:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon butter (optional for richness)
For the Herb Mashed Potatoes:
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4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
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¼ cup milk (adjust as needed)
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and more quickly. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want to keep the flavorful bits), add a small splash of oil if needed and then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the thyme and stir briefly, then pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet—they’re packed with flavor. Let the broth reduce slightly for about 2–3 minutes.
Next, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the parmesan cheese and the optional butter. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavor.
Step 3: Make the Herb Mashed Potatoes
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks and boil them for 12–15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Add butter, a splash of milk, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust the texture by adding more milk as needed. Stir in chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Scoop a generous serving of herb mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with a piece of chicken and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over everything. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.
Serve with a simple side salad or steamed greens like broccolini or green beans for balance.
Tips for Success
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Don’t skip the sear: Getting that golden crust on the chicken adds major flavor.
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Use freshly grated parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can make your sauce grainy.
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Let it rest: Once cooked, let the chicken sit in the sauce for a few minutes to soak up the flavor.
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Boil your potatoes in salted water: Just like pasta, this seasons them from the inside out.
Meal Prep and Storage
This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and sauce in one container, and the mashed potatoes separately. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to keep things smooth and moist.
If you’re meal-prepping, consider doubling the sauce so you have leftovers to drizzle over veggies or pasta later in the week.
Final Thoughts
Creamy garlic chicken with herb mashed potatoes is one of those recipes that feels special but doesn’t require a culinary degree to pull off. It’s rich without being overwhelming, and it uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or friends, this meal is always a hit.
So the next time you’re craving something comforting and full of flavor, skip the takeout. Cook this instead. Once you’ve made it once, it’ll likely become a staple in your dinner rotation.