Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, flavorful garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfectly seasoned and seared to golden perfection, this dish combines the sweetness of caramelized garlic with a luscious blend of herbs and cheese, making it an indulgent yet straightforward meal ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
- Author: Stella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Chicken and Coating
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
- ⅓ cup flour
- 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Broth and Sauce Base
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (can substitute Worcestershire sauce)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 10 whole cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Prep Work: In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine the chicken broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and dried thyme. Set this mixture aside. Also, on a plate, combine the flour and Parmesan cheese for dredging and measure out all remaining ingredients before cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Cover with plastic wrap and pound with the textured side of a meat mallet until about ½ inch thick, then pat each piece dry with paper towels.
- Season and Dredge: Season both sides of the chicken slices with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour and Parmesan mixture, tapping off any excess to ensure an even coating.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side or until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium to medium-low heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and deglaze the bottom of the skillet, collecting the flavorful browned bits. Add the whole garlic cloves and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and caramelize, about 6-7 minutes.
- Add Flour and Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw taste goes away. Gradually pour in the prepared chicken broth mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and to build a smooth sauce.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, then gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken breasts along with any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, partially cover the skillet, and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot alongside mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, pound the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- If you prefer less garlic intensity, reduce the number of garlic cloves accordingly.
- The Parmesan in the coating adds a nice crust and depth of flavor, but can be omitted if dairy-free is preferred.
- Use low sodium chicken broth and soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Leftover sauce can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For a dairy-free modification, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream, and omit Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, garlic chicken breasts, parmesan chicken, chicken in cream sauce, easy chicken dinner, skillet chicken recipe