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Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe - Cheap Delicious Meals

As I stood over the simmering skillet, aromas rushed to my nose like an old friend. It was garlic, of course—my kitchen's best companion—along with a splash of creamy goodness that promised to turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. 
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 490

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole head of garlic, cloves peeled
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Flour, for dredging
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock
  • ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • Chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth to the sauce

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. It’s amazing what a little seasoning can do! Once you’ve done that, lightly dredge the breasts in flour. Shake off any excess. This step creates a lovely golden crust on the chicken.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the peeled garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown. Be cautious—burnt garlic is bitter! When done, remove the garlic from the skillet and set it aside; we’ll use it later.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
  1. In that same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Carefully add in the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and let it rest.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
  1. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the chicken broth to the skillet. Scrape any bits off the bottom; this is where the flavor lives! Add the garlic cloves back to the skillet. Stir to blend. Next, add lemon juice, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Give it a good stir to mix.
Step 5: Create Creamy Goodness
  1. Now, it's time for the star of the show—the heavy cream. Pour it into the skillet and stir until everything is well combined. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Finally, add the remaining butter and stir until melted and incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it bathe in that delightful sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for about 2-3 minutes. This helps meld the flavors beautifully. Serve it with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that touch of elegance.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a significant difference in flavor. Fresh is always best.
  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on it to prevent drying out. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
  • Substitute Cream Wisely: If you want to lighten things up, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half. Just be aware of the thickness!
  • Enhance the Flavor Further: A splash of white wine can elevate the taste dramatically. Just let it cook off before adding cream.
  • Garnish Beautifully: Fresh herbs really make the dish pop visually and add a burst of flavor.