Description
Succulent garlic chicken delivers bold Mediterranean flavors straight from Italian kitchens. Mediterranean herbs and roasted garlic create a simple yet delicious meal that delights palates with minimal preparation and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 4 tbsps unsalted butter, divided
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Meticulously pat chicken dry, then liberally season with paprika, salt, and black pepper across all surfaces for a robust flavor foundation.
- Searing: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal caramelization environment. Introduce chicken, developing a golden-brown exterior for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
- Sauce Foundation: Remove chicken to a holding plate. Reduce skillet temperature, melt remaining butter, and introduce minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent.
- Liquid Transformation: Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping browned remnants to build depth. Allow liquid to reduce, concentrating flavors and creating a rich sauce base.
- Cream Integration: Blend heavy cream and thyme into the reduction, simmering gently to thicken and marry flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Final Assembly: Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, coating thoroughly with sauce and warming for an additional 2 minutes. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley for visual and aromatic enhancement.
- Serving: Present immediately, ensuring optimal temperature and sauce consistency for a memorable culinary experience.
Notes
- Moisture Removal Technique: Thoroughly blot chicken with paper towels to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check chicken’s internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat without dryness.
- Prevent Garlic Burning: Lower heat when adding garlic and stir constantly to avoid bitter, burnt flavor and maintain delicate aromatic essence.
- Sauce Consistency Control: Simmer sauce slowly to develop rich flavors and achieve desired thickness, allowing natural reduction without aggressive boiling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg