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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.3 from 10 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, thin-cut chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a skillet and smothered in a rich, flavorful garlic cream sauce made with sautéed garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. A comforting and elegant one-pan meal that comes together quickly for a satisfying dinner.

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

Cooking Fats

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp butter, divided

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

  1. Prepare Chicken: Using a sharp knife, fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets, or use thin-cut chicken breasts for even cooking.
  2. Season and Flour: Season each chicken cutlet with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the flour over both sides and rub it in so the chicken is evenly coated.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. When hot, add the chicken and cook about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  4. Prepare Garlic: While the chicken cooks, peel the garlic cloves and smash them with the side of a large chef's knife by pressing down with the heel of your hand.
  5. Sauté Garlic: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet, then add the smashed garlic cloves. Reduce heat to medium-low and sauté for 3 minutes until the garlic is lightly browned and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  6. Make Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in garlic powder. Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes until reduced and thickened by about half. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Heat through briefly, then serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

  • For best results, use thin-cut chicken breasts or carefully slice regular breasts to ensure even cooking.
  • Smashing the garlic cloves releases more flavor and mellows their sharpness during sautéing.
  • Keep the heat moderate when sautéing garlic to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • The sauce thickens as it simmers, so keep an eye to avoid over-reduction.
  • This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.