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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

4.1 from 60 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken cutlets seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers big on flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Flour, for dredging

Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 whole head garlic, cloves peeled
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • Parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 smaller cutlets. Season each generously with salt and pepper, then coat them evenly in flour to help create a crispy exterior when cooked.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Cook the garlic: Lower the heat to medium or medium-low if using cast iron. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt. Add the peeled garlic cloves and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns lightly browned and fragrant.
  4. Deglaze and reduce: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the lemon juice and garlic powder. Allow the mixture to bubble and simmer for about 4 minutes or until the liquid reduces noticeably, intensifying the flavors.
  5. Add cream and finish cooking: Stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
  • If you prefer more garlic flavor, roast the garlic head beforehand or add minced garlic with the cloves.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or over pasta for a complete meal.

Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, chicken breasts, garlic cream sauce, quick chicken recipe, stovetop chicken, easy dinner