Description
Succulent garlic chicken brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with irresistible aromas. Crispy herb-infused chicken promises a simple yet elegant dinner that delights senses and satisfies hunger in one delectable swoop.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot chicken with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, then generously season both surfaces with paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking environment.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 4-5 minutes per surface. Confirm doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping warm and preserving its juiciness.
- Reduce skillet temperature to medium and introduce remaining butter, creating a flavorful base.
- Add minced garlic, stirring continuously to prevent burning, and cook until aromatic and slightly translucent.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, using a wooden spatula to scrape accumulated browned bits from skillet bottom, enhancing sauce complexity.
- Allow liquid to simmer and reduce, concentrating flavors and creating a more intense sauce consistency.
- Incorporate heavy cream and fresh thyme, gently stirring to blend ingredients smoothly.
- Let sauce simmer softly, gradually thickening while developing deeper flavor profiles.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Return chicken to skillet, coating generously with prepared sauce and warming through for additional 2 minutes.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added visual appeal and herbaceous note.
- Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and chicken retains optimal temperature.
Notes
- Pat chicken thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy golden-brown exterior when searing.
- Use high-quality paprika for deeper flavor complexity and richer color on the chicken’s surface.
- Prevent garlic from burning by keeping heat at medium and stirring constantly during sauce preparation.
- Invest in an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee precise chicken doneness and food safety.
- Customize protein options by substituting chicken with turkey or pork cutlets without changing core cooking technique.
- Create a lighter version by replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for reduced calorie content.
- Enhance sauce depth by adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard during reduction stage.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating to maintain sauce’s creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 150mg