Creamy Garlic Chicken

indulge in this delectable Creamy Garlic Chicken, featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts enveloped in a luscious garlic-infused sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 head of garlic (about 10 cloves), peeled and lightly crushed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   • Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter. Once melted, add the crushed garlic cloves. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions:

This Creamy Garlic Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Pasta: Tossed in olive oil or a light butter sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth to complement the rich sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Such as green beans, broccoli, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce.

Variations:

• Mushroom Addition: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
• Spinach Inclusion: Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of simmering until wilted.
• Cheesy Twist: Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for extra richness.

Tips:

• For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce and simmer until desired thickness is achieved.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the number of cloves or sauté them for a shorter time.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent the sauce from separating.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken as a delightful addition to your dinner repertoire.