Description
This creamy garlic chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets cooked to golden perfection in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, with a luscious sauce made from garlic, butter, chicken broth, and whipping cream.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Flour (for dredging)
Cooking Fat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
Sauce
- 1 whole head garlic (cloves peeled)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each large chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 smaller cutlets. Season each cutlet generously with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in flour to coat evenly.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Garlic: Lower the heat to medium or medium-low (especially if using cast iron). Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the peeled garlic cloves and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is lightly browned on the outside, releasing its aroma.
- Make the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and sprinkle the garlic powder into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer and bubble for about 4 minutes or until the liquid reduces noticeably, concentrating the flavors.
- Add the Cream and Finish Cooking: Stir in the heavy cream, then return the chicken cutlets to the pan. Let everything simmer together for approximately 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your liking and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Optionally garnish the creamy garlic chicken with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in a little lemon juice and garlic before cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few minutes longer, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; garlic powder is only used as a subtle enhancement.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American