Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic-infused creamy Parmesan sauce. The caramelized whole garlic cloves provide a gourmet touch that balances the savory gravy, making this an easy yet impressive meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup flour
- 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shredded
Sauce and Flavorings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon better than bouillon)
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce as substitute)
- 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)
Instructions
- Season and Coat the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Lightly dredge them in the ⅓ cup of flour mixed with the 4 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic and Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the 10 whole garlic cloves and sauté them gently until they caramelize and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful to avoid burning the garlic.
- Create the Gravy: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour over the butter and garlic, stirring continuously to form a roux. Slowly pour in the 2 ½ cups chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Add the beef bouillon cube, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, onion powder, thyme, and mustard powder. Stir and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and optional ½ cup Parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce. Continue simmering gently for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and allow the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors for an additional 10-15 minutes. Check occasionally to prevent burning and to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy garlic chicken hot, spooning extra sauce and caramelized garlic cloves on top for a delicious presentation.
Notes
- This dish is best served with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy garlic sauce.
- Caramelizing the whole garlic cloves adds a sweet, mellow flavor that elevates this dish.
- The Parmesan in the coating and sauce contributes to a rich, savory depth, but the cheese is optional in the sauce if you prefer it lighter.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked without overcooking and drying out.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 488 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1860 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 111 mg
