Golden seared chicken breasts drenched in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce—this Minimal Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of. It looks and tastes gourmet, yet it’s crafted from pantry staples and comes together in just one pan. The sauce is rich and silky, clinging to the juicy chicken with every bite, bursting with the unmistakable warmth of garlic and buttery undertones.
This dish is perfect when you need a fast meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction. Whether you’re whipping it up for a comforting solo dinner or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this easy recipe delivers every time. Pair it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even a crisp green salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels indulgent but takes minimal effort.
Ingredients for Minimal Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for extra depth)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear properly. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side until golden brown—about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside; it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Base
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be sure not to burn the garlic—it should turn golden and release its aroma without browning too much.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up the flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let it reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the Italian seasoning if you’re using it, adjusting to your taste.
Step 4: Return the Chicken and Finish Cooking
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece. Cover and let them simmer in the sauce over low heat for another 7–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once done, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite side—think fluffy rice, crusty bread, or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up that irresistible sauce.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers of this Minimal Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken are a gift in themselves—the flavors deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: If freezing, place chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring the sauce between each to keep it creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream.
Estimated Nutrition
These values are approximate and based on one serving (1 chicken breast with sauce), assuming the recipe makes 4 servings:
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 400mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and tend to stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and a bit of flour for thickness, though the sauce may be lighter.
3. Is it very garlicky?
The garlic flavor is rich but balanced by the cream. If you’re a big garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil and the cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
5. Will it still taste good without Italian seasoning?
Definitely. The main flavors come from garlic, cream, and seared chicken. The seasoning just adds an herbal note if desired.
6. Can I prep this in advance?
You can sear the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store separately and combine before reheating to maintain texture.
7. What sides go best with it?
Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, buttered noodles, roasted veggies, or crusty bread are excellent choices.
8. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check—it should register 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Minimal Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken for a Fast Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
If you’re craving a quick dinner that’s rich, creamy, and absolutely packed with flavor, this Minimal Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken is your new go-to recipe. With juicy seared chicken breasts bathed in a buttery garlic cream sauce, it’s a dish that tastes like comfort and elegance all in one.
Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, need a weeknight recipe that feels special, or simply want something cozy with minimal cleanup, this meal delivers. It fits beautifully into your rotation of quick meals, low-effort recipes, and comforting food ideas. Every bite is creamy, garlicky perfection—guaranteed to become a favorite.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and optional Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer on low for 7–10 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.