Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner served with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve:
- Transfer to plates or a serving dish, garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips:
- Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier option.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from separating.
This creamy, garlic-packed dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!