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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe

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3.8 from 7 reviews

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to a golden crust and smothered in a rich, homemade garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Enhanced with Italian seasonings and slow caramelized whole garlic cloves, this recipe offers a perfect balance of bold flavors and creamy texture, ideal for a hearty family meal served alongside mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Broth Mixture

  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon better than bouillon)
  • 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 10 whole cloves garlic
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Work: Combine chicken broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and dried thyme in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Mix flour and Parmesan cheese on a plate for dredging. Measure out remaining ingredients before starting.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to get 2-3 thin pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to about ½ inch thickness using a meat mallet. Pat the chicken dry completely with paper towels.
  3. Season and Dredge: Season both sides of the chicken with Italian seasoning and salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in the flour and Parmesan mixture, tapping off any excess coating.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side or until a golden crust forms. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
  5. Make the Garlic Sauce: Lower heat to medium or medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and loosen any browned bits from the pan for flavor. Add whole garlic cloves and cook for 6-7 minutes until softened and caramelized.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet with the garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  7. Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth mixture in several additions, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  8. Finish the Sauce: Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
  9. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet partially and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and flavors meld.
  10. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve the creamy garlic chicken hot with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete meal.

Notes

  • To ensure even cooking, pound chicken slices to uniform thickness.
  • Caramelizing whole garlic cloves gently adds depth and sweetness to the sauce without overpowering pungency.
  • Using low sodium soy sauce and bouillon helps control overall saltiness.
  • The optional extra Parmesan cheese in the sauce adds richness but can be omitted to reduce fat.
  • Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and warmed gently; add a splash of broth or cream to loosen if thickened.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy garlic sauce.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American