Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for a cozy night in? This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. It's packed with flavor from the perfectly seared chicken to the rich and creamy garlic sauce. Pair it with some mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, and you have a meal that's sure to impress.
One of the highlights of this dish is the garlic sauce. With 10 cloves of garlic, this sauce is deeply flavorful and aromatic. The sauce also features a blend of spices and a touch of cream, making it incredibly rich and satisfying. The seared chicken breasts absorb all these flavors, creating a truly mouthwatering dish.
The best part? This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. With just a bit of prep work and some patience, while searing the chicken, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal at home. So, let's get started on making this delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Prep Work:
1. Prepare Broth Mixture: In a bowl, combine the chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme. Set aside.
2. Prepare Flour Mixture: On a plate, combine the flour and Parmesan cheese. Measure out the remaining ingredients before beginning.
Cut, Pound, Dredge, and Sear the Chicken:
1. Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts to create 2-3 thinner slices. Place the chicken in a gallon freezer bag (or between saran wrap) and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound it to ½ inch thick. Pat the chicken completely dry.
2. Season: Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each side in the flour mixture, tapping off excess.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until a golden crust has developed. Set aside and leave the brown remnants in the pan.
Make the Sauce:
1. Cook Garlic: Melt the butter in the skillet over medium/medium-low heat. Use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom of the pot. Add the garlic cloves and let them soften and caramelize for 6-7 minutes.
2. Add Flour: Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes, until the raw flour smell is gone and it begins to brown.
3. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the chicken broth mixture in splashes, stirring continuously. Stir in the cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
4. Finish Chicken: Add the seared chicken back to the pan along with any juices from the plate. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken during this time.
Notes:
Tips for Searing Chicken:
- Adjust the heat slightly throughout the cooking process for an even sear and golden color.
- Aim for brown (not black) remnants in the pot to add flavor to the sauce.
- Cook chicken at a slightly lower temperature for longer to avoid burning and oil splatter.
- If the chicken sticks to the pan, let it release on its own to avoid tearing the crust.
Pro Tips:
- Nutrition facts assume all flour is used.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control sodium content and consider omitting the bouillon.
- For smaller chicken breasts, use 3-4 instead of 2 large ones.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables like green beans.
- Sauté mushrooms separately and stir them into the sauce at the end to retain their color, texture, and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken with your favorite sides for a meal that's sure to become a family favorite!