Creamy Garlic Sauce Chicken (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into three thinner pieces each
02 - Salt and pepper to taste
03 - 3 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
04 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for coating chicken
05 - 4 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese for the chicken crust
06 - 3-4 tbsp olive oil for searing

→ Sauce

07 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - 10 cloves whole garlic, caramelized
09 - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour for sauce thickening
10 - 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
11 - 1 cube beef bouillon or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon
12 - 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
13 - 1 tsp onion powder
14 - 1/2 tsp mustard powder
15 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
16 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
17 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)

# Instructions:

01 - Slice the chicken breasts into three thinner pieces each and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
02 - In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup of flour and Parmesan cheese. Dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
04 - Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Stir to scrape up brown bits, then add whole garlic cloves and cook for 6-7 minutes until softened and caramelized.
05 - Sprinkle flour into the skillet and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
06 - Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Stir in beef bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and dried thyme. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
07 - Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently until the sauce is silky smooth. Optionally, add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
08 - Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken, cover, and cook on low for 5 minutes.
09 - Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.

# Notes:

01 - For added freshness, squeeze lemon juice over the chicken before serving.