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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 9 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, flavorful garlic Parmesan cream sauce. The sauce is enhanced with caramelized whole garlic cloves, Italian seasonings, and a blend of spices, resulting in an indulgent yet approachable dish perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Broth Mixture

  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 10 whole cloves garlic
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Work: Combine the chicken broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and dried thyme in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. On a plate, mix the flour and 4 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese. Measure out all remaining ingredients so they are ready to use.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Cover the slices with plastic wrap and gently pound them with the textured side of a meat mallet until they are about ½ inch thick. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
  3. Season and Dredge: Season both sides of each chicken slice with Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Dredge each piece in the flour and Parmesan mixture, tapping off any excess flour to avoid clumping.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the chicken slices for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until each piece develops a golden-brown crust. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, keeping any juices that remain.
  5. Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Melt the butter in the same skillet. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and deglaze the bottom of the skillet, collecting all the flavorful browned bits. Add the 10 whole garlic cloves and cook them, stirring occasionally, for 6-7 minutes until they soften and caramelize into a golden color.
  6. Add Flour for Roux: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Cook this combined mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the raw flour smell cooks off, forming a roux base for the sauce.
  7. Add Broth Mixture: Slowly pour in the chicken broth mixture in small splashes, whisking or stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce texture.
  8. Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the optional ½ cup Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
  9. Simmer the Chicken in Sauce: Return the sautéed chicken slices and any accumulated juices on the plate back to the skillet. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken, partially cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking.
  10. Serve: Garnish the creamy garlic chicken with fresh 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.
  • Caramelizing whole garlic cloves adds a mellow sweetness to the sauce; do not rush this step.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a pinch more flour during the roux step.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior flavor compared to pre-shredded.
  • Substitute butter with ghee or olive oil if dairy-free, keeping in mind it will alter the flavor.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce’s creamy texture at its best.