Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish. You’ll slice and pound these breasts thin, ensuring that they cook quickly and evenly.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that adds an aromatic depth.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – This will help coat the chicken and give it a golden crust when seared.
- 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese – Adds a touch of salty richness to the flour mixture, giving the chicken an extra layer of flavor.
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – For melting and creating a base for the sauce.
- 10 cloves garlic – This is the heart of the sauce, bringing that rich, caramelized garlic flavor that complements the creamy gravy.
- 3 tablespoons flour – To help thicken the sauce, creating that luscious texture.
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth – A savory base that enhances the flavor of the sauce. You can also substitute vegetable broth for a lighter alternative.
- 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon – This adds an extra savory boost to the broth, enriching the flavor of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce – Adds umami and depth. You can substitute Worcestershire sauce if you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – For a subtle, rounded sweetness in the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder – A hint of tanginess that brightens the sauce without overpowering it.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme – Complements the Italian seasoning used on the chicken, tying the dish together.
- ½ cup heavy cream – The ingredient that makes the sauce rich and creamy.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional) – If you want a thicker, cheesier sauce, feel free to add more Parmesan at the end.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients and prepare your mise en place. Combine the chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a bowl and set it aside. In another bowl, mix the flour and Parmesan cheese—this will be used to coat the chicken. Measure out the other ingredients so you have them ready to go when the cooking begins.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces (about 2-3 per breast) to ensure even cooking. To tenderize the chicken, place it in a gallon freezer bag or between layers of plastic wrap, then use a meat mallet to pound it to about ½ inch thick. This step will ensure your chicken is both juicy and tender when seared. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season it generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each side of the chicken pieces in the flour and Parmesan mixture, tapping off any excess flour.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces in the pan and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear the chicken in batches if necessary. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the flavorful brown bits in the pan.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet. Using a silicone spatula, scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan, incorporating all that delicious flavor into the sauce. Add the garlic cloves and let them cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic softens and caramelizes to a golden brown.
Once the garlic is fragrant and golden, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste. Slowly add the prepared chicken broth mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using). The sauce should begin to thicken at this point, becoming smooth and velvety.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Return the chicken to the skillet, along with any juices from the plate. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it thoroughly. Cover the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken further and the chicken to absorb the rich, garlicky flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve this creamy chicken dish with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. The silky sauce, with its robust garlic flavor, is perfect for spooning over the chicken and any sides you choose.
Notes
- Chicken Alternatives: If you don’t have boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re slightly more flavorful and remain juicy when cooked in the sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, use portobello mushrooms or tofu in place of chicken. You can still sear them to get a golden crust and then prepare the sauce as directed.
- Lower-Calorie Version: Use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or omit it entirely.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes