Let me tell you a little story. It was one of those chilly evenings, and my kids were huddled up in the living room, noses buried in their homework. I figured we needed something warm and satisfying to end the day. So, I grabbed my trusted apron and got to work in the kitchen. As I started mincing garlic and onions, the aroma began to fill the house, and I could hear little footsteps slowly making their way to the kitchen. “Mom, what’s cooking?” they’d ask, peeking over the countertop with eager eyes.
I’d smile and tell them, “Just wait and see.” As the chicken sizzled in the pan, turning a beautiful golden brown, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Cooking can be therapeutic, don’t you think? It’s not just about feeding our bodies but also nourishing our souls. And when the creamy garlic sauce came together, my kids couldn’t resist but hover closer.
That night, as we all sat down to dinner, the creamy garlic smothered chicken didn’t just fill our bellies; it filled our hearts with warmth and joy. That’s the beauty of home-cooked meals. So, if you’re looking for something to bring your family together or even just to treat yourself, give this recipe a go. You won’t be disappointed.
How to Make Delicious Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1-2 tbsp mayo
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1/2 onion
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Parmesan to taste
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parsley to serve
- Red pepper flakes to serve
Directions:
- Start by finely chopping the garlic and onion. Set these aromatic ingredients aside for later use.
- Carefully slice each chicken breast into two to make four even cutlets.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Smear a light layer of mayo on each side of the chicken cutlets, then coat them in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat a medium-sized skillet with a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Transfer to a clean plate to let them rest.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onions. Sauté until they soften, then toss in the minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant.
- Drop the butter into the pan. As it melts, stir in the flour until you achieve a thick, smooth paste.
- Pour in the chicken stock, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer, then stir in the heavy cream.
- Turn off the heat and season the sauce with salt, pepper, and parmesan according to your taste.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating them in the luscious sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
Customizing Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken: Alternative Ingredients
If you’re out of heavy cream, try using half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of extra flour to thicken the sauce. No chicken stock? Vegetable broth is a great stand-in. For a cheese twist, swap out parmesan for pecorino or asiago. Feel free to add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
Keeping Your Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken Fresh
Store any leftovers 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 to avoid curdling the cream. If freezing, allow the dish to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
What Goes Best With This Creamy Chicken Dish?
This creamy garlic smothered chicken shines when paired with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken
Ensure your chicken is completely dry before applying the mayo for a better coating. When making the sauce, avoid high heat after adding the cream to prevent curdling. For a deeper flavor, let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Seasonal Twists for Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken
In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus to the sauce for a pop of color and flavor. Summer calls for a light touch with lemon zest or capers. Come fall, incorporate roasted butternut squash or mushrooms. Winter variations can include hearty vegetables like kale or Brussels sprouts.
FAQs:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts for this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if overcooked. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the thighs are cooked thoroughly, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I use instead of mayo?
If mayo isn’t your cup of tea, consider using Greek yogurt or sour cream as an alternative. These provide a similar coating effect while adding a slight tanginess to the chicken. Ensure the substitute is applied thinly to ensure even cooking.
Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Ensure the coconut flavor complements the dish, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan if needed for a cheesy touch.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick to your creamy garlic smothered chicken, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or incorporate a diced jalapeño into the sauce. A touch of cayenne pepper in the flour mixture will also enhance the heat level.
Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat them gently on the stove before serving. This allows the flavors to meld overnight, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
What’s the best way to mince garlic quickly?
If you’re short on time, use a garlic press to quickly mince the garlic. Alternatively, use pre-minced garlic from a jar, though the flavor might not be as robust as fresh garlic. Crushing the garlic with a knife before mincing can also expedite the process.
Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken
Equipment
- Frying pan
- cutting board
- knife
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 breasts chicken
- 1-2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Sauce:
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- to taste parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- to serve parsley
- to serve red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Start by finely chopping garlic and onion. Set aside for later use. Cut each chicken breast into four equal pieces and set them aside as well.
For Chicken:
- On a plate, combine flour and seasonings thoroughly with a fork. Apply mayonnaise onto the chicken, then coat both sides in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat some oil in a medium hot frying pan and add the chicken cutlets. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and let them rest on a clean plate.
For Sauce:
- Using the same pan, add onions and sauté for a couple of minutes until tender. Incorporate garlic and cook for an additional minute until it releases its aroma. Then, add the butter and let it melt.
- Once the butter has melted, mix in flour until it forms a paste. Gradually pour in chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, stir in the heavy cream.
- Turn off the heat and season the sauce to your preference, adding shredded parmesan cheese to your liking.
- Return the chicken cutlets back into the saucepan, garnishing with parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.
- Pair with rice, potatoes, pasta, or side of your choice, and enjoy your meal!
