Creamy Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra richness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

2. Sear the Chicken:

• Heat Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
• Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covered loosely with foil to keep warm.

3. Make the Sauce:

• Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Add Cream and Herbs: Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and additional salt and pepper to taste. For a richer sauce, you can add ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese at this stage.
• Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

4. Combine and Finish:

• Return Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb some of the sauce.
• Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

5. Serve:

• Serve: Serve the creamy garlic chicken with your favorite side dish, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken:

• Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
• Searing: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear and golden crust.
• Creamy Texture: For a creamier sauce, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with half-and-half or add a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.
• Resting Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Enjoy your meal!