Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, pounded chicken breasts seared to a golden crust and simmered in a rich, flavorful garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and slow-cooked garlic cloves, this comforting skillet dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes for a satisfying dinner.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Chicken and Coating
- 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 and Sauce Base
- 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 grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Prep Work: In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine chicken broth, beef bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and dried thyme. Set this mixture aside for later use. Also, combine the flour and Parmesan cheese on a plate, and measure out the remaining ingredients so everything is ready before cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Lay the slices on a clean surface and cover them with saran wrap. Using the textured side of a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to about ½ inch thickness. Pat the slices completely dry with paper towels to help with searing.
- Season and Coat: Season both sides of the chicken slices generously with Italian seasoning and salt and pepper. Then dredge each piece in the flour and Parmesan mixture, shaking off any excess flour to avoid clumping during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until a beautiful golden crust forms and the chicken is mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate, keeping any juices that have accumulated.
- Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium or medium-low and melt the butter. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and “clean” the bottom of the pan to lift flavorful browned bits. Add the whole garlic cloves and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, to allow them to soften and caramelize for about 6-7 minutes without burning.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of flour over the butter and garlic, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Broth Mixture: Gradually pour in the prepared chicken broth mixture in small splashes while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream evenly, then slowly add the Parmesan cheese while stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet along with any juices left on the plate. Spoon sauce over the chicken pieces, cover the skillet partially with a lid, and let the dish simmer gently for 5 minutes to complete cooking and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish the creamy garlic chicken with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with a side of mashed potatoes for a classic, comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a better crust.
- Slow cooking the garlic cloves is essential for a mellow, sweet garlic flavor without bitterness.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more flour when making the roux.
- Substitute beef bouillon cube with chicken bouillon if preferred for a lighter flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs excellently with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Keywords: Creamy garlic chicken, garlic Parmesan chicken, skillet chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, Italian seasoning chicken