Description
Indulgent Creamy Garlic Chicken brings Italian comfort to weeknight dinners with rich, velvety sauce and tender meat. Simple ingredients create a luxurious meal that draws family together around the table and leaves everyone craving seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 170 grams or 6 ounces each)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
Sauce Components:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Thoroughly dry the chicken breasts using clean kitchen towels, then generously season both surfaces with aromatic garlic powder, vibrant paprika, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Select a robust skillet and warm olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust for approximately 4-5 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F/74°C.
- Remove perfectly seared chicken and set aside on a clean plate. In the same skillet, introduce butter and allow it to melt gently.
- Add finely minced garlic, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Let the garlic release its fragrant essence for roughly 1 minute.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, using a wooden spatula to scrape up delectable browned bits clinging to the skillet’s surface. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce slightly.
- Lower the heat and incorporate heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning blend, and optional red pepper flakes. Gently stir until the sauce transforms into a luxuriously smooth consistency.
- Carefully nestle the chicken back into the creamy sauce, letting it warm through and absorb the rich flavors for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top, creating a vibrant garnish that adds both color and a subtle herbaceous note. Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Pat chicken thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior when searing.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quicker cooking and easier preparation.
- Adjust seasoning intensity by varying amounts of garlic powder and red pepper flakes to suit personal taste preferences.
- Use low-fat alternatives like half-and-half or milk to create a lighter version of the creamy sauce without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 745
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 865 mg
- Fat: 58 g
- Saturated Fat: 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg