If you’re looking to cozy up your dinner plans with something truly indulgent and packed with flavor, you absolutely need to try this Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken. It’s that perfect hug-in-a-dish where tender, golden chicken cutlets swim in a dreamy, garlicky cream sauce that’s rich but never overwhelming. Every bite is a beautiful balance of savory garlic, silky cream, and just the right hint of herbs and spices. This dish has quickly become a beloved favorite for weeknights and special occasions alike, and trust me, once you make it, you’ll be looking for any excuse to cook it again and again.

Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken is simpler than you might think, and each one brings its own magic to the table. From the spices that coat the chicken to the components of the luscious sauce, these essentials work together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and irresistible aroma.

Chicken breasts: Choose fresh, plump breasts to ensure juicy, tender cutlets every time.
Mayonnaise: Helps the flour and spices adhere to the chicken, creating a golden crust.
Flour: Used both for dredging the chicken and thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper: This spice mix adds layers of warmth and depth, enhancing the chicken’s flavor beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is the soul of the sauce, delivering that vibrant, aromatic punch.
Onion: Adds sweetness and subtle texture to the creamy sauce.
Butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and helps mellow the garlic and onions.
Chicken stock: Adds a savory backbone and balances the creaminess.
Heavy cream: The key to the sauce’s luscious texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles of this salty, nutty cheese enhance the overall flavor with a delightful bite.
Parsley and red pepper flakes (optional): Fresh parsley brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise, while red pepper flakes kick it up a notch if you like a little heat.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Garlic, Onion, and Chicken

Start by mincing your garlic cloves and finely chopping the onion—these aromatics will infuse the sauce with irresistible flavor. Next, slice your chicken breasts into four even cutlets so they cook quickly and evenly, giving you that perfect golden crust each time.

Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken Cutlets

Combine the flour with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper on a plate, mixing thoroughly to ensure an even seasoning. Spread a thin layer of mayo on the chicken cutlets; this sticky base will hold onto the seasoned flour, creating a flavorful crust that locks in moisture and adds texture.

Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken Until Golden

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and carefully add the chicken cutlets. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden color and are cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a clean plate to rest, which keeps them juicy and tender while you make the sauce.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same pan that still holds those lovely chicken drippings, add your chopped onions and cook until they soften, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the aroma fills your kitchen. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor foundation for the sauce.

Step 5: Create the Cream Sauce Base

Add butter to the pan and let it melt. Stir in flour and mix continuously until the mixture thickens slightly and turns golden, forming a roux that will thicken your sauce beautifully.

Step 6: Add Stock and Cream, Then Season

Pour in your chicken stock and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, letting it reduce a bit. Once simmering, stir in heavy cream for that rich, velvety texture. Turn off the heat and season with salt, pepper, and shredded Parmesan cheese to taste, stirring until the cheese melts and blends in perfectly.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken cutlets to the pan, nestling them into the cream sauce so they soak up every bit of that garlicky goodness. Sprinkle chopped parsley and red pepper flakes over the top to add freshness and a touch of heat, then your Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken is ready to be served.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a must-have garnish because its bright green color and subtle herbaceous note cut through the richness of the sauce perfectly. If you enjoy a little kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes for added depth and warmth that lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery pasta that can soak up every bit of the sauce. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad make excellent companions that bring balance and texture to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve the chicken cutlets stacked on a bed of garlic-infused mashed cauliflower or creamy polenta. You can drizzle any leftover sauce artistically over the top and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and extra parsley. It’s all about making the dish feel as special as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, which is easy to fix when reheating—just add a little splash of cream or stock to loosen it up.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Cool the chicken and sauce completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and sauce on low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Stir frequently and add a little chicken stock or cream to refresh the sauce’s silky texture. Microwave reheating is possible but heat in short bursts and stir between to maintain even warmth without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy, plus they offer a slightly richer flavor, which pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.

Is mayonnaise necessary in the recipe?

Mayonnaise helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and contributes to that crispy coating. If you don’t have mayo on hand, a light brush of mustard or a beaten egg can work as a substitute.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious!

How garlic-heavy is this dish?

This recipe really celebrates garlic in a big way, making it perfect for garlic lovers. If you’re more sensitive to garlic, you can reduce the cloves slightly without sacrificing too much flavor.

What’s the best way to get a crispy crust on the chicken?

Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken and avoid overcrowding it. The mayo-flour mixture creates a coating that crisps up nicely when cooked properly over medium heat.

Final Thoughts

Making Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken is like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious comfort zone. It’s straightforward enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve to guests who will be wowed by its richness and flavor. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how addictive that garlicky, creamy sauce truly is—you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation in no time!

Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 30 reviews

Author: Harry
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This creamy garlic smothered chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful seasoned flour and mayo mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, and smothered in a rich garlic cream sauce made with butter, onions, chicken stock, heavy cream, and parmesan. Garnished with parsley and red pepper flakes, this comforting dish pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or pasta.

Instructions

Prepare garlic and onion: Mince the garlic cloves and finely chop half an onion. Set both aside for later use.
Slice chicken breasts: Cut each chicken breast into two equal cutlets, totaling four pieces. This ensures even cooking and better sauce coverage.
Mix flour and seasonings: On a plate, combine flour with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with a fork to evenly distribute all spices.
Coat chicken with mayo and flour: Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise onto each cutlet, then dredge both sides into the seasoned flour mixture to create a flavorful crust.
Fry the chicken: Heat a medium pan with oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken cutlets and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside on a clean plate.
Cook onions and garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onions and cook for a couple of minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Create the roux: Add butter to the pan with the garlic and onions. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to form a thick paste, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken stock, stirring regularly, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, stir in the heavy cream to create a rich sauce base.
Season and add parmesan: Turn off the heat, season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in shredded parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the pan, spooning sauce over them. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Serve and enjoy: Serve your creamy garlic smothered chicken alongside rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal!

Notes

Mayonnaise helps the flour coating adhere better and adds moisture to the chicken.
You can adjust the amount of garlic and parmesan to your taste preference.
For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
Allow the chicken to rest briefly after frying to retain juiciness before adding it back into the sauce.
Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan Frying and Simmering
Cuisine: American