Olive Garden Chicken

If you’re a fan of creamy, flavorful restaurant-style dishes, you’re going to love this Olive Garden Chicken. Inspired by the beloved flavors of Olive Garden’s Italian cuisine, this recipe features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, cheesy, and garlicky sauce—perfect to serve over pasta, rice, or vegetables.

This dish captures the essence of Italian-American comfort food. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight meal or impressing guests at dinner, Olive Garden Chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Comforting – The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is deeply satisfying and full of flavor.

2. Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it weeknight-friendly.

3. Restaurant Quality at Home – Skip the takeout line and recreate Olive Garden vibes in your own kitchen.

4. Versatile Pairings – Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables—it works with everything.

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup baby spinach

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Timing & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions for Olive Garden Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear each side for about 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Step 4: Make the Roux

Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux. This helps thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Add Cream and Milk

Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until smooth and gently bubbling.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese and Seasoning

Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer on low for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Best Pasta Pairings

This chicken dish pairs beautifully with a variety of pastas:

• Fettuccine

• Penne

• Linguine

• Angel hair

• Gluten-free pasta for a lighter option

Toss the pasta in the sauce before serving or serve it underneath the chicken.

Other Serving Suggestions

Not in the mood for pasta? Try these alternatives:

• Mashed potatoes: Rich and buttery for soaking up the sauce.

• Steamed broccoli or green beans: Adds freshness and contrast.

• Garlic bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.

• Rice or risotto: An excellent base to complement the flavors.

Sauce Variations

You can tweak the sauce to your preference:

With Spinach and Tomatoes

Add baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra color and flavor.

Lighter Sauce

Use half-and-half or whole milk only for a lighter version with fewer calories.

Spicy Kick

Add extra crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep chicken ahead: Season and sear the chicken up to 1 day in advance.

• Make the sauce: The sauce can be made a few hours ahead and gently reheated.

• Freezing not recommended: Cream sauces tend to break when frozen and reheated.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 36g

• Fat: 35g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 3g

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Make It a Meal: Complete Menu Idea

Create a full Olive Garden-inspired meal with:

• Starter: Zuppa Toscana or Minestrone Soup

• Main: Olive Garden Chicken over fettuccine

• Side: Garden salad with Italian dressing and breadsticks

• Dessert: Tiramisu or lemon cake

• Drink: Iced tea, wine, or sparkling water

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work just as well and are often juicier.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk (like oat or soy), and vegan Parmesan-style cheese for a dairy-free version.

How do I make this in a slow cooker?

Sear the chicken first, then cook it in a slow cooker with the sauce on low for 3–4 hours. Stir in cheese at the end for best results.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the creamy sauce and garlic flavors.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger skillet and ensure the chicken pieces aren’t crowded so they cook evenly.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Chicken is one of those dishes that brings comfort, flavor, and elegance to your table with minimal effort. The creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning transforms simple chicken into something truly special. It’s a recipe that fits both casual family dinners and dinner parties alike.