This skillet chicken breast dinner offers comfort and flavor without extensive effort. Our Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich, savory dish perfect for any weeknight. With tender chicken enveloped in a luscious garlic cream sauce, it’s a meal that satisfies deeply, making it a reliable addition to your weeknight dinner ideas.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and quick preparation. You need only a few straightforward ingredients, and the entire dish comes together efficiently. It is designed for busy evenings, delivering restaurant-quality taste from your own kitchen in under an hour. The combination of seared poultry in cream sauce with hearty sides makes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients List
To create this flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken, gather the following:
- 16 oz chicken breast
- 10 garlic cloves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1.5 lbs russet potatoes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 12 oz green beans
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Step by Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create a delicious one pan poultry dish (the chicken and sauce part).
- Prepare the Sides: Begin by washing and peeling the 1.5 lbs russet potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized chunks. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1/2 tsp of the salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. While the potatoes cook, prepare the 12 oz green beans. You can steam them in a separate pot or microwave until tender-crisp. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly. Return them to the hot pot. Add 1/4 cup milk and 1 tbsp butter, then mash until smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Sear the Chicken: Pat the 16 oz chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tented with foil, to rest. This helps keep the chicken moist.
- Build the Garlic Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Smash and mince the 10 garlic cloves. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. These bits are full of flavor.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it slightly thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rich garlic cream sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to warm through and absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish generously with 2 tbsp fresh parsley. Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken immediately with the mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. This classic pairing creates a truly comforting meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken
Achieving the perfect creamy garlic chicken gravy is simple with a few expert touches.
“Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your poultry reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees both safety and perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.”
When making your garlic cream sauce recipe, do not rush the initial searing of the chicken. A good sear creates a flavorful fond at the bottom of the pan. This fond, the browned bits left behind after cooking the chicken, is crucial. Scrape these bits thoroughly when you deglaze with chicken broth; they add immense depth and umami to your sauce. Using fresh garlic, rather than pre-minced, also makes a noticeable difference in flavor intensity.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftovers of this delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or a little more heavy cream to restore the sauce’s original consistency, as it can thicken in the refrigerator. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the chicken.
This simple yet elegant Creamy Garlic Chicken is a testament to how incredible a well-executed skillet chicken breast dinner can be. Enjoy creating this satisfying meal for your family.
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Skillet Garlic Chicken Breast with Creamy Sauce
Ingredients
- 16 oz Chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 10 cloves Garlic cloves peeled and smashed
- 1 cup Heavy cream room temperature
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth low sodium
- 2 tbsp Olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp Butter divided
- 1.5 lbs Russet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup Milk warm
- 12 oz Green beans trimmed
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp Salt divided
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with 1 tablespoon butter, milk, and a pinch of salt.
- Steam green beans until tender-crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with remaining salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add smashed garlic cloves and cook until lightly browned and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. Simmer for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with the mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
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