Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup flour
- 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon better than bouillon
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (can substitute Worcestershire sauce)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 10 whole cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a shallow bowl, combine flour and 4 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast thoroughly in the flour mixture to ensure an even coating.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Create the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 10 whole garlic cloves and sauté gently until caramelized and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour to the caramelized garlic and butter mixture. Cook this roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Gradually whisk in 2 ½ cups chicken broth, 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon better than bouillon), 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon mustard powder. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Finish the sauce: Lower the heat and stir in ½ cup heavy cream and optionally ½ cup Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes until creamy and well combined.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy garlic sauce over them, and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic cloves for richer flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic for this recipe.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt since broth and bouillon add saltiness.
- The Parmesan cheese in the dredging mixture adds depth; do not skip if possible.
- For a lactose-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and cheese with nutritional yeast.
- This recipe can be paired with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American