Creamy Garlic Chicken Dish

This creamy garlic chicken has become my family's go-to comfort meal whenever we need something guaranteed to please everyone at the table. The juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection and that rich, velvety garlic sauce create a restaurant-quality dinner that always draws everyone to the kitchen before it's even ready.

I first made this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something that would feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. The aroma of garlic caramelizing in butter drew my husband into the kitchen asking what smelled so amazing, and this dish has been in our regular rotation ever since.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: sliced thin for even cooking and maximum tenderness
• Salt and pepper: for properly seasoning the foundation of the dish
• Italian seasoning blend: provides a perfect herb mixture without needing multiple bottles
• All purpose flour: creates the perfect golden crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce
• Parmesan cheese: adds a salty depth to both the chicken coating and sauce
• Olive oil: with its higher smoke point makes it perfect for achieving that golden sear
• Unsalted butter: allows you to control the saltiness while providing richness to the sauce
• Whole garlic cloves: become sweet and mellow when caramelized instead of sharp and pungent
• Chicken broth: forms the savory base of the sauce use homemade for best flavor
• Beef bouillon cube: intensifies the umami notes in the sauce for remarkable depth
• Soy sauce: provides a secret boost of savory complexity that most people cannot identify
• Onion powder: delivers sweet onion flavor without affecting the sauce texture
• Mustard powder: contributes a subtle tanginess that balances the rich cream
• Dried thyme: offers earthy herbal notes that complement the garlic beautifully
• Heavy cream: transforms the sauce into a luscious silky texture that clings to every bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the chicken:

Slice each chicken breast horizontally into three thinner pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning, making sure to cover all surfaces for consistent flavor throughout.

Create the coating:

Mix flour and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish until well combined. Dredge each piece of chicken in this mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well to all sides. This creates a beautiful crust that seals in moisture while cooking.

Sear the chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Place chicken pieces carefully into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until deeply golden, then flip and repeat on the other side. The crust should be rich golden brown. Transfer to a plate.

Caramelize the garlic:

Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add whole garlic cloves and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The garlic will soften and turn a beautiful golden color as it caramelizes and develops sweet, complex flavors.

Make the roux:

Sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This roux will provide the perfect thickness to your sauce without any floury taste or lumps.

Build the sauce:

Slowly pour in chicken broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Add beef bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder and dried thyme. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 to 7 minutes until slightly reduced and flavors have melded together.

Finish the sauce:

Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream. Allow the sauce to gently simmer until it becomes silky smooth and slightly thickened. For extra richness, add additional Parmesan cheese at this point, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.

Reunite chicken with sauce:

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top to ensure chicken is well coated. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and has absorbed some of the sauce flavors.

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Those whole garlic cloves are truly the secret stars of this dish. The first time I made this recipe, I was hesitant about using ten whole cloves, fearing it would be overpowering. Instead, they become these buttery, sweet morsels that my daughter now fights over with her father. We've actually started doubling the garlic just to keep the peace at our dinner table!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture, though the cooking time may vary.

→ How do I prevent the chicken coating from falling off?

Ensure the chicken is dry before dredging and press the coating firmly to help it adhere.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, reheat gently on low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

→ What can I serve with the creamy garlic chicken?

Mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread are excellent options to pair with the dish.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or cornstarch.

→ Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or peas make great additions to enhance the meal.