Creamy Herb Chicken With Garlic Cream Sauce

Name: Creamy Herb Chicken With Garlic Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Warm Comfort Table

I absolutely love making Creamy Herb Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce for dinner. The combination of tender chicken and a rich, flavorful garlic cream sauce always makes my taste buds sing. Each bite is packed with aromatic herbs that elevate the dish to a whole new level. It’s an easy dish to whip up on a weeknight or serve to guests for a special occasion. The best part is that it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen for busy nights.

Created by

Poppy Walsh

Last updated on 2026-02-16T09:13:37.249Z

I remember the first time I made this Creamy Herb Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce. I wanted to impress my family with something that felt gourmet but was simple to prepare. As I sautéed the chicken, the aroma of garlic wafted through the kitchen, drawing everyone in. It wasn't long before I perfect the sauce with just the right touch of cream and herbs.

One tip I discovered is to let the cream simmer gently, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully without curdling. I usually serve this dish over a bed of rice or pasta, soaking up every delicious bit of that sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken
Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor with every bite
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners

Perfecting the Chicken

To ensure that your chicken breasts are juicy and tender, it's crucial to avoid overcooking them. A good rule of thumb is to cook them for 6-7 minutes on each side over medium heat. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you find that the chicken is browning too quickly, simply reduce the heat slightly, which will help cook it evenly without drying it out.

Another great tip for achieving maximum flavor is to let the chicken marinate with the herbs and seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat more effectively. If you're short on time, seasoning just before cooking will still provide a delicious result.

Mastering the Garlic Cream Sauce

The key to a luscious garlic cream sauce lies in the timing of your ingredients. Sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant, which should take no more than a minute. This is crucial since overcooking the garlic will lead to a bitter taste. After adding the chicken broth, allow it to simmer and reduce slightly; this concentrates the flavors and enhances the sauce's overall richness.

For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic. Let it cook down before adding the broth; this small step creates a nice acidity that balances the creaminess of the sauce. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving, I love pairing this dish with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or steamed green beans. The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over the sides, tying the meal together beautifully. You can also serve the chicken over a bed of rice or pasta, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains for extra flavor.

For a variation, try incorporating seasonal vegetables into the dish. Asparagus or spinach can be sautéed alongside the garlic for a burst of freshness and nutrition. This not only enhances the visual presentation but also boosts the dish's flavor profiles.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary

For the Garlic Cream Sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start creating this delicious dish.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Creamy Herb Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce:

Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Enjoy your delicious meal with a side of rice or pasta!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in herbs and garlic for a couple of hours before cooking.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Creamy Herb Chicken is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken and even cook it earlier in the week, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and finish it with the garlic cream sauce for a quick weeknight meal.

If you're planning to freeze this dish, it's best to freeze the cooked chicken and the sauce separately. In freezer-safe containers, they can last up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm both the chicken and sauce on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Flavor Variations

To customize your garlic cream sauce, consider adding additional herbs like basil or dill, which can complement the chicken beautifully. A teaspoon of lemon juice or zest added at the end provides a bright note that cuts through the richness, making the dish even more vibrant and refreshing.

If you're in the mood for a bit of heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce to give it a kick. This will enhance the flavor profile without overshadowing the key ingredients, allowing you to enjoy the aromatic herbs and creamy texture with every bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! This sauce pairs well with pork chops or even shrimp.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.

→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days.

→ What should I serve with the Creamy Herb Chicken?

This dish goes wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta.