Creamy Garlic Chicken (Print Version)

Tender chicken smothered in rich, flavorful gravy with caramelized garlic cloves that add perfect gourmet balance.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper
03 - 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
04 - ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
05 - 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
06 - 3 tablespoons olive oil

→ Sauce

07 - 2 ½ cups chicken broth
08 - 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon better than bouillon)
09 - 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
10 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
11 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
12 - ½ teaspoon mustard powder
13 - 3 tablespoons butter
14 - 10 whole cloves garlic
15 - 3 tablespoons flour
16 - ½ cup heavy cream
17 - ½ cup Parmesan cheese

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Combine chicken broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Mix flour and Parmesan cheese on a plate and measure remaining ingredients before beginning.
02 - Slice chicken breasts lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Cover with plastic wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound to ½ inch thickness. Pat completely dry.
03 - Season each side of chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge in the flour-Parmesan mixture, tapping off excess.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust develops. Set aside on a plate.
05 - Melt butter in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Use a silicone spatula to deglaze the bottom of the pan. Add garlic cloves and cook until softened and caramelized, about 6-7 minutes.
06 - Add flour to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw flour smell dissipates, stirring constantly.
07 - Add the prepared broth mixture gradually in splashes, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
08 - Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and sauce is smooth.
09 - Return chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Spoon sauce over chicken, cover partially, and simmer for 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and flavors meld.
10 - Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete meal.

# Additional Notes:

01 - If using smaller chicken breasts, consider using 3-4 instead of 2 large.
02 - Mushrooms make an excellent addition; sauté them separately and stir into the sauce at the end.
03 - Worcestershire sauce can be substituted for soy sauce if needed.
04 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.