Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast

This creamy garlic chicken breast recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal that will impress your family and friends. The tender chicken breasts are coated in seasoned flour, pan-fried until golden, then bathed in a luscious garlic cream sauce that's simply irresistible.

I first created this dish when I needed to impress my inlaws during their first visit to our home. The kitchen filled with the most amazing garlic aroma, and they immediately asked for the recipe before they even finished their plates.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Cut into cutlets ensures quick and even cooking plus more surface area for the delicious sauce
• All-purpose flour: Creates a perfect crust and helps thicken the sauce later
• Minced garlic: The star ingredient that provides incredible depth of flavor; use fresh for best results
• Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious velvety texture that makes this dish so special
• Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor while balancing the richness of the cream
• Dried thyme: Brings an earthy herbal note that complements the garlic beautifully
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix The Coating:

Combine flour salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. This seasoned flour will create a golden crust on the chicken and later help thicken our sauce. Make sure to mix thoroughly so the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Prepare The Chicken:

Slice chicken breasts horizontally into even cutlets. This crucial step ensures quick cooking and tender results. Uniform thickness means each piece will cook at the same rate preventing dry overcooked spots.

Heat Your Pan:

Warm oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. The right temperature is key for achieving that beautiful golden crust without burning.

Dredge And Cook Chicken:

Coat each chicken cutlet completely in the flour mixture shaking off excess. Carefully place in the hot pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should release easily from the pan when it's ready to flip.

Make The Sauce Base:

After removing chicken add garlic to the same pan and sauté until fragrant about 1 to 2 minutes. The remaining bits in the pan are flavor gold so dont clean the pan between steps.

Create The Cream Sauce:

Stir in a bit of leftover flour then add chicken broth scraping the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour in heavy cream and thyme allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

Combine And Finish:

Return chicken to the skillet coating each piece in the luxurious sauce. Let everything simmer together for a minute or two allowing the flavors to marry beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

My family always fights over who gets to soak up the last bits of sauce with bread. I learned from my grandmother that the quality of your garlic makes all the difference in this recipe. She always said cooking with love means not rushing the garlic sautéing process.

Make Ahead And Storage

This creamy garlic chicken stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight as they have time to meld together. When reheating use low heat and add a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. For best results warm gently on the stovetop rather than using a microwave which can make the chicken tough.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this creamy chicken over pasta rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the incredible sauce. For a complete meal add a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli asparagus or a fresh salad with vinaigrette dressing. The bright acidic notes from the vegetables balance the richness of the cream sauce perfectly. For a special occasion a glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully.

Customization Ideas

This versatile recipe welcomes many delicious variations. Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor or sun dried tomatoes for a tangy sweetness. For extra color and nutrition wilt in fresh spinach just before serving. You can also transform this into a Tuscan inspired dish by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes and some chopped fresh basil. For seafood lovers try swapping the chicken for shrimp or scallops adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work as a great alternative. Cook them for 5-6 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

→ How can I make the sauce thinner?

If the sauce is too thick, simply add more chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

→ What seasonings can I add for extra flavor?

You can add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning or sprinkle fresh parsley on top to enhance flavor.

→ Can I make extra sauce?

Absolutely! Double the cream sauce ingredients to have extra to serve over mashed potatoes or pasta.

→ How do I ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for tender and perfectly cooked chicken.