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This creamy garlic chicken has become my family's favorite weeknight meal. The silky sauce with caramelized garlic cloves creates an irresistible restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just one skillet.
I first made this dish when my in-laws came for dinner unexpectedly. They were so impressed they asked for the recipe before leaving, and now it appears at most of our family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These create the perfect canvas for our creamy sauce, use larger breasts that can be sliced horizontally
- Italian seasoning: Provides a blend of herbs that complements the garlic without overpowering
- Flour: Creates a golden crust on the chicken and helps thicken our sauce
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty depth to both the coating and sauce, use freshly grated for best results
- Whole garlic cloves: The star of our dish, they transform into sweet aromatic bites when caramelized
- Chicken broth: Forms the savory base of our sauce, use low-sodium to control saltiness
- Beef bouillon: This secret ingredient adds incredible depth, look for quality brands without MSG
- Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious silky texture that makes this dish extraordinary
- Butter: Helps caramelize the garlic and creates richness in our sauce, use unsalted to control seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- Combine all sauce liquids and seasonings in a measuring cup with a spout for easy pouring. This allows the flavors to start melding together and makes the cooking process much smoother. Mix your flour and Parmesan on a plate until well combined.
- Prepare The Chicken:
- Slice each large chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets, then pound them to an even half-inch thickness. The even thickness ensures consistent cooking while the pounding tenderizes the meat. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels otherwise your seasoning won’t adhere properly.
- Season And Dredge:
- Season each side of the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Press the chicken into the flour mixture ensuring an even coat and tap off excess. The thin coating will create a beautiful golden crust without becoming heavy.
- Sear To Perfection:
- Heat olive oil until shimmering then carefully add chicken without overcrowding. Let each piece develop a rich golden crust before flipping, about 4 minutes per side. The fond developing on the pan bottom is flavor gold for our sauce.
- Caramelize The Garlic:
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter, scraping up the delicious browned bits from the chicken. Add whole garlic cloves and allow them to slowly transform for 6 to 7 minutes. They should become golden and soft, turning from sharp and pungent to sweet and mellow.
- Create The Roux:
- Sprinkle flour over the garlic and butter, stirring constantly for about two minutes. The flour needs to cook to remove the raw taste while coating the garlic cloves. The mixture should look like wet sand and smell slightly nutty.
- Build The Sauce:
- Add the broth mixture in small amounts at first, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Once smooth, add remaining liquid and bring to a gentle boil. The sauce will begin to thicken as it heats. Stir in cream and Parmesan, allowing the cheese to melt completely into the sauce.
- Reunite And Simmer:
- Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan, spooning sauce over each piece. Cover partially and simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the chicken to finish cooking and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
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The first time I served this to my children, they picked out the whole garlic cloves thinking they would be too strong. After convincing them to try just one, their eyes widened with surprise at how sweet and mellow they had become. Now they fight over who gets more garlic cloves.
Perfect Pairings
This creamy garlic chicken practically begs to be served with something that can soak up the luxurious sauce. Mashed potatoes are my family's preference, especially when made with Yukon gold potatoes and plenty of butter. Rice pilaf or crusty bread work beautifully too.
For vegetables, anything with a slight bitterness creates the perfect contrast to the rich sauce. Roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or steamed asparagus are our go-to choices. The brightness cuts through the richness and creates a balanced plate.
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Make-Ahead Options
This dish actually improves with time as the flavors continue to meld. You can prepare it entirely up to two days ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce.
For busy weeknights, you can also prep components in advance. Season and flour the chicken, combine the sauce ingredients, and even caramelize the garlic the day before. Store everything separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and finish cooking in about 20 minutes.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your sauce breaks or looks curdled, whisk in a tablespoon of cold cream off the heat until it comes back together. Never boil the sauce after adding cream.
For chicken that seems tough, it was likely overcooked during the initial sear. The chicken continues cooking in the sauce, so the initial cooking should leave it slightly underdone.
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. If too thick, add splashes of broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier option. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on thickness.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter can replace heavy cream. This may slightly alter the richness of the sauce.
- → Can the sauce be made without Parmesan?
Yes, the Parmesan is optional and can be omitted for a lighter sauce. Alternatively, try substituting with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensure other ingredients, like chicken broth, are gluten-free.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted green beans, or steamed asparagus.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead, then combine and warm everything before serving for quick assembly.