Description
Tender chicken cubes simmered in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant (be careful not to burn). Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter mixture. Whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If using sun-dried tomatoes or spinach, add them to the sauce now and heat through for a minute or two. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles.
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in less browning and flavor. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor for this dish. Avoid using pre-minced garlic, as it often lacks the same intensity.
- Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue simmering it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce.
- Add a Touch of Heat: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make it Lighter: To lighten up the dish, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the creamy garlic chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. Serve over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Serve with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
- Variations: Mushroom Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet when cooking the garlic. Sun-Dried Tomato Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of flavor. Spinach Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add fresh spinach to the sauce for added nutrients and color. Lemon Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright and tangy flavor. Spicy Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Storage Instructions: Refrigerate: Store leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat: Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Freeze: While not ideal due to the cream sauce potentially separating, you can freeze creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The sauce may be slightly grainy after thawing, but the flavor will still be good.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes