Description
Creamy garlic chicken brings together succulent poultry with a rich, aromatic sauce that elevates weeknight dinners. Italian herbs and velvety cream create a comforting meal you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
- 4 (170 g or 6 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry and season comprehensively with garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring thorough coverage on both sides.
- Searing: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully placing seasoned chicken to achieve a golden-brown exterior. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C, creating a perfectly sealed protein.
- Sauce Foundation: After removing chicken, utilize the same skillet to melt butter, then introduce finely minced garlic. Briefly toast until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor profile without browning.
- Liquid Integration: Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, vigorously scraping accumulated caramelized fragments from the skillet’s surface. Allow liquid to reduce and concentrate its essence.
- Cream Transformation: Reduce heat and blend heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until sauce achieves a velvety, uniform consistency.
- Final Fusion: Return chicken to the skillet, gently immersing it in the luxurious cream sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, enabling the meat to absorb the rich, multilayered flavors.
- Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, creating a visually appealing and aromatic finish. Serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and sauce texture.
Notes
Prevent Moisture Buildup: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp, golden-brown exterior and enhance flavor absorption.
Avoid Sauce Separation: Maintain low to medium heat when adding cream to prevent curdling and keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F/74°C, guaranteeing safe consumption without overcooking.
Enhance Flavor Depth: Allow pan-drippings to caramelize before deglazing, which captures intense, concentrated flavors in the final sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg