Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

A delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and flavorful creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe is both simple and indulgent.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 8 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN WITH CREAMY GARLIC SAUCE:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color and are fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  3. Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden—be careful not to burn it.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the broth to simmer for about 5 minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate the flavors.
  5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to simmer the sauce for another 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken. You should end up with a rich, creamy consistency.
  6. Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top of the chicken. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring it’s fully heated through and well-coated with the creamy garlic mixture.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Once ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, pairing with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

HELPFUL TIPS:

  • For a thicker sauce, you can let the sauce simmer for an extra few minutes or whisk in a small amount of flour.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or a lighter cream alternative.
  • To add more flavor to the chicken, you can marinate it with herbs and garlic for 30 minutes before dredging in flour.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. You can also omit them for a milder sauce.

DETAILS:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Chicken, Garlic-Based

NOTES:

  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Cooking the breasts for around 5-6 minutes on each side should be sufficient, but use a meat thermometer if unsure. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  • You can add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added texture and flavor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts. They will require a slightly longer cooking time, but they offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make the dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor, but it will still be delicious.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it may cause the chicken to dry out.

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CONCLUSION:

This Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that can quickly become a family favorite. It’s easy enough to make on busy weeknights while still offering a rich and indulgent dining experience. With tender chicken and a sauce full of garlic and creamy goodness, this meal is sure to satisfy!

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Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce


  • Author: Martha

Description

A delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and flavorful creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe is both simple and indulgent.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 8 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color and are fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden—be careful not to burn it.
  • Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the broth to simmer for about 5 minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate the flavors.
  • Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to simmer the sauce for another 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken. You should end up with a rich, creamy consistency.
  • Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top of the chicken. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring it’s fully heated through and well-coated with the creamy garlic mixture.
  • Garnish and Serve: Once ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, pairing with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Cooking the breasts for around 5-6 minutes on each side should be sufficient, but use a meat thermometer if unsure. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  • You can add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added texture and flavor.

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