Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken: 5 Secrets to Perfect Flavor Every Time!
This creamy garlic chicken is succulent, full of flavor, and paired perfectly with your choice of sides. Ideal for a family weeknight dinner.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for coating
- 0.5 cup grated mozzarella divided
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or as needed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Garlic Cream Sauce
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 head garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk whole or 2%
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each chicken thigh in flour, shaking off excess.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Making the Cream Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk, whisking to remove any lumps.
- Stir in dried basil, simmering until thickened.
- Add heavy cream and remaining mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
Finishing Touches
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
- Simmer over low heat, covered, for about 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve with sauce spooned over the chicken.
Notes
This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed veggies. Enjoy with some warm, crusty bread.