Creamy Chicken in Garlic Sauce is a delicious, savory dish perfect for any day of the week. With tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, this dish will make you feel like you’re dining at a top-notch restaurant. Paired with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, it’s a meal the entire family will love. This recipe is both simple to make and indulgent, with the perfect balance of flavors. Let’s dive into how to prepare this incredible dish!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
These ingredients come together to form a rich and flavorful meal, ensuring each bite is packed with creamy goodness and a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes.
Directions and Preparation Method
Follow these easy-to-follow steps to create this dish:
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces of chicken. This will help them cook more quickly and evenly. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. The seasoning is essential to bring out the full flavor of the chicken, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. You want the chicken to be fully cooked, so make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. You can cover it with a piece of foil to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Sautéing the Garlic
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and started to bubble, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The garlic should become soft and aromatic, filling your kitchen with a delicious scent.
Step 4: Making the Sauce
Once the garlic is sautéed, pour in the chicken broth. Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits are packed with flavor, and scraping them up helps incorporate them into the sauce.
Next, reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice). Stir everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The Parmesan cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a velvety texture that coats the chicken perfectly.
Step 5: Finishing the Chicken
Now that the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan. Coat each piece of chicken in the creamy sauce and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb some of the delicious flavors from the sauce.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
Once the chicken is fully coated and the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the creamy chicken over a bed of rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to complete the dish.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy chicken with garlic sauce!
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. They will work well in this recipe and provide a slightly different texture. Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts and will stay tender even if slightly overcooked.
2. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce is too thin for your liking, you can add a little more Parmesan cheese or simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to help it thicken. You can also make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then slowly adding it to the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the creamy chicken in garlic sauce ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and sauce as instructed, then store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the sauce over low heat until warm.
4. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with various side dishes, such as pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even steamed vegetables. For an extra indulgent meal, try serving it with garlic bread.
5. How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add more heat to the sauce, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you like a spicier garlic flavor, consider adding some chopped fresh chili peppers to the garlic sauté step.
6. Can I use a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with dairy-free alternatives. For the cream, try using coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute. For the Parmesan, there are many dairy-free Parmesan cheeses available in stores that will work well in this recipe.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your chicken broth and any other ingredients you use are gluten-free. Some brands of chicken broth contain gluten, so always check the label to make sure.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken in Garlic Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve at dinner parties or family gatherings. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a meal that’s rich, savory, and packed with delicious flavors. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish will surely become a favorite in your household.
The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and creamy sauce with perfectly cooked chicken makes this meal a true winner. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe will never disappoint. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor!
Enjoy this savory dish and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills. Bon appétit!