Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender seared chicken breasts in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce. Enhanced with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, it’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 medium chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Garlic
- 14 cloves garlic (2 minced, 12 whole or smashed)
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Liquids and Cheese
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ¾ cup whipping cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh thyme, minced parsley, or chives (to serve)
Instructions
- Prep Garlic: Finely mince 2 garlic cloves. For the remaining cloves, gently smash them with the side of a chef’s knife to release their flavor.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and press lightly to coat each piece well.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 8–10 minutes total. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sear Garlic: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and olive oil to the skillet. Add the whole or smashed garlic cloves and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring several times to prevent burning. Reduce heat to medium-low if the garlic browns too fast. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Poach Garlic: Pour ½ cup chicken stock into the pan and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the remaining 1 cup chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Let garlic cook in the simmering stock for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Add the whipping cream, return the seared chicken breasts with any juices back to the pan. Simmer gently for 5–8 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Garnish with fresh thyme, minced parsley, or chives before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; adjust amount based on garlic preference.
- Chicken breasts can be boneless, skinless for even cooking.
- If garlic starts to brown too quickly during searing, reduce heat to medium-low.
- You can substitute heavy cream if whipping cream is unavailable.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to enjoy the creamy sauce.
