Description
This creamy garlic chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful garlic cream sauce. With the robust aroma of sautéed garlic and a silky sauce reduced to perfection, this easy stovetop dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided
Garlic Cream 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 the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets or use pre-thin-cut chicken breasts. Season each cutlet evenly on both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Sprinkle flour over both sides and rub in gently until the chicken is fully coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the skillet is hot and the butter melted, place the chicken cutlets in the skillet. Cook each side for about 4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken onto a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
- Prepare the Garlic: While the chicken cooks, peel the garlic cloves. Using the side of a large chef’s knife and the heel of your hand, press down firmly to smash each garlic clove.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the smashed garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 3 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the garlic powder. Use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until it reduces and thickens by roughly half. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning by adding about 1/8 teaspoon of salt and pepper if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and allow everything to heat through for a couple of minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this rich and comforting creamy garlic chicken alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra garlic flavor, leave some garlic skins on when sautéing; they can be removed before serving.
- Thin-cut chicken breasts cook evenly and quickly; pounding thicker breasts to an even thickness works well if you don’t have pre-cut ones.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic during sautéing; lower the heat if necessary and stir constantly.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Leftover chicken and sauce keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
