Creamy Garlic Chicken

Here’s a detailed recipe for Creamy Garlic Chicken that delivers a deliciously rich and flavorful meal:

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil

6-8 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, thyme, and oregano)

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the breasts, until they are golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.

4. Add Broth and Simmer:

Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce.

Allow the broth to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

5. Stir in the Cream and Seasoning:

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to thicken slightly.

Add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Combine Chicken with Sauce:

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Once the chicken is coated with the creamy garlic sauce, remove the skillet from the heat.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken:

Chicken Thighs Option: If you prefer darker meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts. They will be even juicier and flavorful.

Adding Veggies: You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce to elevate the dish further.

Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken will be a hit with everyone at the table, delivering a delicious, comforting meal with a rich and garlicky sauce that’s perfect for any occasion!

Nutrition Information (per serving):

Calories: 320
Fat: 18g
Saturated fat: 10g
Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 400mg
Cholesterol: 80mg