This Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast recipe features tender, golden-seared chicken breasts smothered in a velvety garlic cream sauce. The chicken is lightly dredged in a parmesan-flour coating, pan-fried until crisp, and then simmered in a luscious sauce made with garlic, onions, broth, cream, and more parmesan. It’s a one-pan wonder that pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavor and elegant presentation.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 5 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1¼ cups chicken broth
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour and grated parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat. Shake off excess.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
- Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, then add the remaining oil and butter.
- Sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the smashed garlic cloves and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
4. Deglaze and Simmer
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Let the broth simmer and reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
5. Make the Cream Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then add the parmesan cheese.
- Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Finish the Dish
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
- Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld and the chicken absorb the sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.
- Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne tossed in the garlic cream sauce.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up every last drop.
- Steamed greens: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a fresh contrast.
Tips & Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy twist.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use chicken thighs: Boneless thighs work just as well and stay extra juicy.
- Lighter version: Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream.
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for guests. Would you like a baked version or a stuffed chicken breast recipe next?