Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a simple yet irresistible dish that combines pan-seared chicken breasts with a luscious, garlic-infused cream sauce. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The garlic sauce is packed with flavor, and the tender chicken creates a comforting, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to impressing guests at dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 whole garlic bulb (8-9 garlic cloves)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Fillet the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets (or use thin-cut chicken breasts). Season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken evenly with flour.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Peel and smash the garlic cloves with the side of a knife. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter and sauté the garlic over medium-low heat for 3 minutes until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, then stir in garlic powder. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened by about 50%.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Heat through, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken: This ensures even cooking and tender meat.
- Sauté garlic gently: Cooking garlic at medium-low heat brings out its sweetness and avoids bitterness.
- For a thicker sauce: Let it simmer longer, or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it faster.
Variations
- Add vegetables: Try sautéing spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions in the sauce for more flavor.
- Swap the cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter version, or add a bit of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work great, just make sure to cook them longer until they reach 165°F.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and combine before serving.
What should I serve this with?
Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this creamy chicken.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Enjoy this creamy garlic chicken as a comforting dinner the whole family will love!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A simple yet irresistible dish featuring pan-seared chicken breasts with a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 whole garlic bulb (8-9 garlic cloves)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fillet the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Coat evenly with flour.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter, sauté the smashed garlic over medium-low heat for 3 minutes until fragrant. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in garlic powder. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened by about 50%.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, heat through, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Pound the chicken for even cooking and sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American