Indulge in the rich flavors of , a dish that combines the savory essence of garlic with the luxurious texture of heavy cream, all wrapped around tender chicken. This recipe is a masterclass in comfort food, blending the simplicity of a one-pan meal with the sophistication of a gourmet sauce. The caramelized garlic adds a depth of flavor that elevates this dish beyond a typical weeknight dinner, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. With its roots in European cuisine, this creamy garlic sauce is reminiscent of classic French and Italian cooking, where garlic and cream are staples in creating rich, velvety sauces.
Ingredients
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 head garlic (about 10-15 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for sauce thickening)
- 1/2 cube chicken or beef bouillon (Better Than Bouillon works too)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into three thinner slices each. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dredge the chicken slices in a mixture of flour and 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken slices for 4-5 minutes per side, until they develop a golden crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Caramelize Garlic: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly caramelized and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the chicken stock, bouillon cube, onion powder, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the remaining 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken slices to the skillet and spoon the garlic cream sauce over them. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Top Tips
- Caramelize Garlic Properly: Take your time when caramelizing the garlic to avoid burning it, as this will give the sauce a bitter taste.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese make a significant difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy by checking its internal temperature, which should be at least 165°F.
- Thicken Sauce Correctly: If the sauce is too thin, whisk in a little more flour or cornstarch mixed with water before adding it to the sauce.
- Customize Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of thyme or Italian seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve with Complementary Sides: Pair the dish with sides like roasted green beans or sautéed spinach to balance the richness of the sauce.
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for added depth of flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Sprinkle a bit of lemon zest over the chicken before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Greek Yogurt Substitute: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Bacon Crumbles: Top the dish with crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Infuse the cream sauce with fresh herbs like basil or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Guide
Servings | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 | 420 | 28g | 15g | 35g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: This dish is rich in protein from the chicken and contains a significant amount of fat from the heavy cream and butter. However, it can be made healthier by using less cream or substituting it with Greek yogurt. The garlic provides antioxidants, while the Parmesan cheese adds calcium. Pairing the dish with vegetables like green beans or spinach can help balance the meal nutritionally.
