Nothing beats a cozy meal after a long day, and this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes hits all the right notes. It’s a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture. With tender chicken bathed in a creamy garlic sauce, paired with fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes, this recipe is a hug on a plate. Perfect for any night you want to feel right at home, it’s simple, delicious, and sure to please everyone at your table.
Steps
- Slice each chicken breast into 2-3 thinner pieces and pound to ½ inch thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Coat in a flour and Parmesan mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms, then remove and set aside, leaving the brown bits in the pan.
- Melt butter in the same skillet, using a spatula to loosen any stuck bits. Add whole garlic cloves and cook for 6-7 minutes until they caramelize.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add chicken broth, a bouillon cube, and seasonings, stirring continuously. Mix in heavy cream and bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, incorporate Parmesan cheese, and return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Pair with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon of better than bouillon
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (or substitute with Worcestershire sauce)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
FAQ
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and store it?
- Yes, you can store Creamy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, you can either use the microwave or thaw it overnight and warm it in a covered casserole dish at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken?
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables like green beans. You can also add mushrooms to the gravy by sautéing them separately and stirring them in at the end to maintain their texture and flavor.
- Do you have any tips for perfectly searing the chicken?
- Adjust the heat as needed for an even sear and golden color. If the chicken sticks to the pan, it’s not ready to be moved; allow it to release on its own to avoid tearing. Cooking at a slightly lower temperature for a longer time is preferable to prevent burning and oil splatter.
- Can I use smaller chicken breasts for this recipe?
- Absolutely, if you have smaller chicken breasts, you can use 3-4 instead of 2 large ones. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
- What should I do if I want to reduce the sodium content in this recipe?
- To lower the sodium content, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and omitting the bouillon cube, although the latter does add a rich flavor to the dish.
Tips
- Achieve a Perfect Sear: Maintain an even heat, adjusting it slightly as needed, to develop a golden crust on the chicken without burning. If the chicken sticks to the pan, allow it to release naturally to avoid tearing the crust.
- Enhance Gravy with Mushrooms: For added depth of flavor, sauté mushrooms separately before incorporating them into the sauce. This keeps their texture and flavor intact.
- Manage Sodium Levels: Use low-sodium chicken broth and consider omitting the bouillon if you’re concerned about the dish’s overall salt content, as the bouillon significantly enhances the flavor.
- Efficient Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen using a microwave, or thaw overnight and warm in a lightly greased, covered dish at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Equipment
- Le Creuset Skillet – A high-quality, oven-safe skillet that conducts heat well.
- Garlic Peeler – A tool to easily peel garlic cloves quickly.
- Kitchen Tongs – Useful for handling and flipping chicken and other ingredients during cooking.
- Silicone Spatula – Helpful for “cleaning” the bottom of the skillet and stirring ingredients.
- Chef Knife – An essential tool for slicing chicken and other preparation tasks.
