Creamy Garlic Chicken Delight

This creamy garlic chicken has transformed my weeknight dinner routine with its rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen. The caramelized garlic cloves create pockets of sweet, mellow flavor that elevate this dish to something truly special.

I first made this dish when my in laws surprised us with a visit and have never seen them clean their plates so quickly. Now it's my go to impressive meal that secretly takes very little effort.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: large enough to slice horizontally for thinner cutlets
• Italian seasonings: which provides a perfect herb blend without measuring multiple spices
• Flour: combined with Parmesan creates a delicious crust on the chicken
• Olive oil: for searing and developing that golden exterior
• Chicken broth: forms the foundation of our flavorful sauce
• Beef bouillon cube: adds depth and richness you would miss without it
• Soy sauce: brings umami that makes the sauce taste like it simmered for hours
• Butter: for sautéing the star of the show whole garlic cloves
• Heavy cream: which transforms the sauce into something truly decadent
• Additional Parmesan cheese: melted into the sauce for thickening and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Ingredients:

Mix the chicken broth with all seasonings and set aside so flavors begin melding. Measure remaining ingredients and prepare your chicken by slicing it horizontally into thinner cutlets then pounding to even thickness. This ensures quick even cooking and more surface area for the delicious crust.

Season And Dredge:

Pat chicken completely dry then season liberally with Italian seasoning salt and pepper. The drying step is crucial for developing a good crust. Create a simple dredging station with flour and Parmesan then coat each piece lightly tapping off excess to prevent burning.

Sear The Chicken:

Heat your skillet with olive oil until just starting to shimmer then add chicken without overcrowding. Let it develop a deep golden crust before flipping about 4 to 5 minutes per side. The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce later so focus on color now. Remove chicken to a plate while making the sauce.

Caramelize The Garlic:

Reduce heat and add butter to the same pan scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the chicken. Add whole garlic cloves and cook slowly allowing them to soften and turn golden the magic happens here as they become sweet and mellow. This slow cooking transforms the garlic from sharp to complex in flavor.

Build The Sauce:

Sprinkle flour over the garlic and butter cooking briefly to remove raw flour taste. Gradually add the seasoned broth mixture stirring constantly to prevent lumps. This technique creates a perfectly smooth sauce. Add cream and bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat and incorporating Parmesan if using.

Finish The Dish:

Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet nestling pieces into the sauce. Partially cover and simmer just until chicken is cooked through about 5 minutes. The chicken will absorb some of the sauce flavors while completing its cooking process to juicy perfection.

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The first time I served this dish my daughter who typically avoids sauce of any kind actually asked for extra to pour over her potatoes. The caramelized garlic cloves are what make this dish truly special each one becomes a little treasure to discover as you eat providing bursts of incredible flavor.

Perfect Pairings

This creamy chicken dish practically begs for something to soak up the luxurious sauce. Fluffy mashed potatoes make an ideal companion capturing pools of the garlic cream sauce in every bite. For a lighter option try serving over cauliflower mash or with a side of roasted vegetables that can still mop up the sauce.

Make Ahead Options

This dish shines as a make ahead meal option. You can prepare it completely then refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the garlic infuses more deeply into the sauce. When reheating add a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much and warm gently on the stove or in the oven covered.

Simple Substitutions

If you prefer dark meat boneless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and stay even juicier. For a lighter version substitute half and half for the heavy cream although the sauce wont be quite as rich. Dairy free alternatives like cashew cream can work in place of heavy cream for those with lactose concerns. The Italian seasoning can be replaced with herbs de Provence or your own blend of dried basil oregano and thyme.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make the chicken extra tender?

Pound the chicken to an even thickness and season generously before searing to retain moisture and ensure it cooks evenly.

→ Can I substitute a different type of cheese for Parmesan?

Yes, you can use Romano or Asiago cheese for a similar flavor profile, or omit it altogether for a lighter sauce.

→ What side dishes pair well with this?

Try serving this creamy chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a fresh salad to complement its rich flavors.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately, refrigerate them, and combine/reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.

→ Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Yes, bone-in chicken works too, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks through.