Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts: A Mouth-Watering Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce, then this Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts recipe is for you. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even a cozy night in. With a golden, crispy exterior and a creamy, garlic-infused sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The chicken breasts are lightly floured and pan-fried to perfection, then baked in a luscious garlic cream sauce that’s packed with flavor. The combination of garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs creates a sauce that’s rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible.

Key Features:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With a 4.98 rating from 184 votes, this recipe is a proven favorite.

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Ingredients for Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts

To make this Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For The Chicken:

• 2-3 boneless chicken breasts (large, skinless, halved horizontally to make 4)
• 4 tablespoons flour (all-purpose or plain)
• 4 tablespoons parmesan cheese (finely grated, fresh)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (cracked)

For The Sauce:

• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1 whole head of garlic (peeled and divided into 10-12 cloves)
• 1 ¼ cup chicken broth (stock)
• 1 ¼ cup heavy cream (or half and half or evaporated milk)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese (finely grated, fresh)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (to serve)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This ensures the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
2. Dredge in Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Pan-Fry the Chicken

1. Heat Oil and Butter: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl the pan to coat it evenly.
2. Fry the Chicken: Add 2-3 chicken breasts to the skillet and fry until golden on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Transfer the cooked chicken to a warm plate and set aside.
3. Repeat: Wipe the pan with a paper towel and repeat the process with the remaining oil, butter, and chicken breasts.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion: Reduce the heat to medium and sauté the finely chopped onion in the remaining oil and juices in the pan until softened.
2. Add Garlic: Smash 6 cloves of garlic with the blunt edge of a knife and add them to the pan along with the remaining whole cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Add the chicken broth to the pan to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits. Let the broth simmer and reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Cream: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
5. Incorporate Parmesan: Mix in the parmesan cheese and continue cooking gently for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Add Chicken to Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, letting them simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors.
2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Serve immediately over your choice of sides.

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Serving Suggestions for Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Pasta: Serve over fettuccine or spaghetti for a classic creamy chicken pasta dish.
• Rice: Pair with steamed rice or garlic butter rice for a comforting meal.
• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes.
• Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables, cauliflower mash, or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.

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The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Chicken Breasts

Achieving perfectly crispy chicken breasts is an art, and this Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts recipe nails it every time. The key lies in the preparation and cooking technique. Here’s how you can ensure your chicken turns out golden, crispy, and juicy:

1. Halve the Chicken Breasts: Start by halving the chicken breasts horizontally. This not only ensures even cooking but also creates more surface area for that delicious crispy coating.
2. Season Generously: Season the chicken with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This step is crucial as it infuses the meat with flavor from the inside out.
3. Dredge in Flour and Parmesan: The combination of flour and parmesan cheese creates a light, crispy crust. Make sure to shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping.
4. Pan-Fry to Perfection: Heat a mixture of olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. The oil ensures a crispy exterior, while the butter adds richness. Fry the chicken until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain an even temperature.
5. Rest Before Serving: After frying, let the chicken rest on a warm plate. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

By following these steps, you’ll achieve chicken breasts that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them the perfect base for the creamy garlic sauce.

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 Crafting the Ultimate Garlic Cream Sauce

The garlic cream sauce in this Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts recipe is the star of the show. Rich, velvety, and packed with flavor, it’s what takes this dish from good to extraordinary. Here’s how to make it:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Start by sautéing finely chopped onions in the remaining oil and juices from the chicken. This builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
2. Add Garlic: Smash some garlic cloves and leave others whole. This dual approach ensures a robust garlic flavor without overwhelming the dish. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce.
4. Simmer and Reduce: Let the broth simmer until it reduces by half, concentrating the flavors.
5. Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat and add heavy cream, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. This creates a rich, velvety texture.
6. Add Parmesan: Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The result is a luxurious sauce that coats the chicken beautifully, making every bite a delight.

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Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Once your Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts are ready, it’s time to think about how to serve them. Here are some ideas to make your meal complete:

1. Over Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over fettuccine or spaghetti for a classic creamy chicken pasta dish. The pasta soaks up the sauce, making every bite flavorful.
2. With Rice: Pair the chicken with steamed rice or garlic butter rice. The rice complements the creamy sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
3. Mashed Potatoes: For a hearty option, serve the chicken over fluffy mashed potatoes. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the buttery potatoes.
4. Vegetable Sides: Add a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or carrots, for a balanced meal. The vegetables add a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
5. Low-Carb Options: For a lighter version, serve the chicken over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles. These options are low in carbs but still delicious and satisfying.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and parsley make a significant difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender and juicy, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes.
4. Experiment with Cream: You can use heavy cream, whipping cream, or even evaporated milk for a lighter version. If using half and half, avoid boiling the sauce to prevent curdling.

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Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

• Calories: 666kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 60g
• Saturated Fat: 28g
• Cholesterol: 149mg
• Sodium: 1819mg
• Potassium: 284mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Vitamin A: 1624IU
• Vitamin C: 4mg
• Calcium: 278mg
• Iron: 1mg

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

While you can freeze the cooked chicken, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, flavorful dishes. With its crispy, golden chicken and indulgent garlic cream sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe is a guaranteed hit. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media!