Creamy Garlic Chicken

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This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic-infused gravy. Caramelized garlic cloves and a cheesy, creamy sauce make this one-skillet recipe perfect for serving over mashed potatoes with a side of roasted vegetables. Easy, delicious, and comforting, it’s destined to become a weeknight favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 3 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp Parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • 3-4 tbsp olive oil

Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 10 garlic cloves
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon)
  • 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Prep Work:

  1. Combine chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a bowl. Set aside.
  2. In a shallow dish, mix flour and Parmesan cheese.

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Slice each chicken breast into 2-3 thinner slices. Pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
  2. Pat chicken dry and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge in the flour mixture, tapping off excess.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add garlic cloves and caramelize for 6-7 minutes.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Gradually add the broth mixture in splashes, whisking continuously. Stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese (if using) until melted and smooth.

Combine and Serve:

  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and cover. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete meal.

Nutrients

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 508 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Fat: 37 g
    • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 111 mg
  • Sodium: 1060 mg
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Vitamin A: 887 IU
  • Vitamin C: 14 mg
  • Calcium: 287 mg
  • Iron: 3 mg

This creamy garlic chicken is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Serve and enjoy!

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a standout dish for several reasons:

  • Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The combination of caramelized garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream creates a velvety, savory sauce that elevates the dish.
  • Versatile Pairings: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, making it highly adaptable.
  • One-Skillet Convenience: The entire recipe is made in one skillet, simplifying both the cooking process and cleanup.
  • Elegant Comfort Food: While the recipe is simple and easy to follow, the result is impressive enough to serve at a dinner party or special occasion.
  • Customizable: The recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust the seasoning, sauce thickness, or even add extra vegetables to suit your taste.

This dish is a perfect blend of convenience and sophistication, making it a go-to for any home cook.

Nutritional Highlights

While Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich and indulgent meal, it also offers a good balance of macronutrients and micronutrients:

  • High-Protein Content: With 23 grams of protein per serving, this dish is great for maintaining energy and supporting muscle repair.
  • Rich in Calcium: The Parmesan and cream contribute a significant amount of calcium, supporting strong bones and teeth.
  • Low in Sugar: With just 1 gram of sugar per serving, this dish is a great option for those watching their sugar intake.
  • Customizable Fat Content: While the dish is naturally high in fat due to the cream and butter, you can adjust the fat content by using half-and-half or a lighter dairy option.

At 508 calories per serving, this meal is hearty and satisfying without being overly indulgent.

Flavor and Texture: The Perfect Combination

The appeal of Creamy Garlic Chicken lies in its balance of bold flavors and satisfying textures:

  • Juicy, Tender Chicken: The chicken is dredged in a Parmesan-flour mixture and seared until golden, creating a flavorful crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
  • Caramelized Garlic: The garlic cloves, cooked until golden and soft, add a sweet, nutty depth to the sauce.
  • Luxurious Sauce: The creamy sauce is rich, velvety, and perfectly balanced with the tanginess of Parmesan and the subtle umami of soy or Worcestershire sauce.
  • Herbaceous Finish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness that enhances the dish’s overall flavor.

Every bite combines the tender, seasoned chicken with the creamy, garlicky sauce for a dish that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a versatile recipe that works well in a variety of settings:

  • Weeknight Dinner: The recipe is simple enough to prepare after a busy day, with minimal prep time and cleanup.
  • Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking or packed lunches.
  • Entertaining Guests: With its rich flavors and elegant presentation, this dish is sure to impress dinner guests without requiring hours in the kitchen.
  • Comfort Food Cravings: When you’re in the mood for a warm, satisfying meal, this recipe delivers all the cozy, comforting flavors you need.

Its adaptability and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.

Customizing Your Creamy Garlic Chicken

One of the great aspects of Creamy Garlic Chicken is how easy it is to adapt to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ways to customize the dish:

  • Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs, pork chops, or even shrimp for a different take on the recipe.
  • Vegetable Additions: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
  • Lower Calorie Option: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk for a lighter version of the dish.
  • Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyère or Asiago, for a unique flavor twist.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce for a hint of heat.

These customizations make the recipe incredibly versatile while maintaining its signature creamy, garlicky flavor.

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure your Creamy Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

  • Pound the Chicken Evenly: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of browning.
  • Caramelize the Garlic Slowly: Cooking the garlic over medium heat brings out its natural sweetness without burning it.
  • Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for an extra few minutes to reduce.
  • Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or Parmesan as needed.

These tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results every time.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Here are some ideas:

  • Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over buttery mashed potatoes.
  • Rice or Pasta: Serve the chicken over white rice, wild rice, or al dente pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots for a lighter, healthier side.
  • Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to scoop up every last drop of the sauce.

These pairings enhance the dish’s flavors and textures, making it even more satisfying.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, Creamy Garlic Chicken is easy to store and reheat:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.

Proper storage and reheating ensure the dish retains its flavor and texture, even after a few days.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender, golden chicken breasts with a luscious, garlicky sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or satisfying comfort food cravings, this one-skillet meal is as versatile as it is delicious. The combination of caramelized garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream creates a sauce that’s indulgent yet well-balanced, making it the ultimate accompaniment to the juicy chicken.

 

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