Print

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 10 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Infused with Italian seasonings and slow-caramelized garlic cloves, this comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner served alongside mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon better than bouillon)
  • 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 10 whole cloves garlic
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prep Work: In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine the chicken broth, beef bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and dried thyme. Set this mixture aside for later use. Also, combine flour and Parmesan cheese on a plate for dredging. Measure out all remaining ingredients so they are ready to use.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Cover the slices with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet’s textured side to pound the chicken to about ½ inch thickness. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
  3. Season and Dredge: Season both sides of each chicken slice with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour and Parmesan mixture, then gently tap off any excess flour.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the chicken slices for 4–5 minutes per side until a beautiful golden crust forms. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
  5. Make the Sauce - Caramelize Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Melt butter in the same skillet, then use a silicone spatula to scrape and deglaze the browned bits from the pan bottom. Add the whole garlic cloves and cook them gently for 6–7 minutes, allowing them to soften and caramelize, adding depth of flavor.
  6. Add Flour and Cook: Stir in the 3 tablespoons of flour to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes until the raw flour smell dissipates. This forms the roux, which will thicken the sauce.
  7. Incorporate Chicken Broth Mixture: Gradually add the reserved chicken broth mixture in splashes, stirring constantly to combine and avoid lumps.
  8. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and slowly incorporate the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  9. Simmer with Chicken: Return the seared chicken slices along with any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken, partially cover the skillet, and simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors and finish cooking the chicken.
  10. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For best results, pound the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and a tender texture.
  • Be sure to caramelize the garlic cloves slowly to bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to the sauce.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter consistency, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • If preferred, use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
  • Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.