Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich and decadent dish that combines the tender and juicy texture of chicken with the deep and savory flavors of garlic and cream. The creamy sauce is the crowning glory of this recipe, made by whisking together minced garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, and then simmering it until thick and velvety. The aroma of roasted garlic wafting from the oven is sure to tantalize the taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you serve it as a main course or as a comforting side dish, Creamy Garlic Chicken is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
* 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cream has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
6. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and coat with the creamy garlic sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
* To make this recipe even richer, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet with the garlic.
* You can also add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the creamy sauce for added flavor.
* For a creamier sauce, you can whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the cream before adding it to the skillet.
* You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply cook the chicken and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Variations:
* For a spicy kick, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce, like Tabasco or Sriracha, to the creamy sauce.
* To give it an Italian twist, you can add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes and basil to the sauce.
* For a Mediterranean-inspired version, you can add some chopped Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts to the sauce.
* You can also serve this dish with some crusty bread or roasted vegetables for a more filling meal.