Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, thin-cut chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce made with fresh garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For Cooking
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided
Sauce
- 1 whole garlic bulb (about 8-9 garlic cloves)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets or use thin-cut chicken breasts for faster cooking and tender texture.
- Season and Flour: Season each chicken cutlet evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Then sprinkle and rub flour on both sides until coated thoroughly to create a light crust.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Prepare Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and carefully smash each with the side of a large chef’s knife by pressing down with the heel of your hand to release the flavors.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the smashed garlic cloves. Reduce heat to medium-low and sauté garlic for about 3 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make Sauce: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir in garlic powder, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to enhance flavor. Let sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, reducing by about half and thickening. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish Dish: Return cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon creamy garlic sauce over them. Heat through for a few minutes to meld flavors. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic bulbs beforehand, though it’s optional.
- Use thin-cut chicken breasts to ensure quick and even cooking.
- The sauce thickens as it simmers; don’t rush this step for best texture.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option.
