Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6-8 skinless chicken thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Flavor Base
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 heads of garlic (about 20 cloves), peeled
Creamy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness for faster and consistent cooking. Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
Roast the garlic: Slice the very top off the heads of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil, wrap in foil, and place directly on an oven rack. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the cloves are tender and slightly golden.
Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and melt. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to cook out any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring a smooth consistency. Bring to a simmer.
Creamy garlic goodness: Squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves from their papery skins and add to the sauce. Stir in cream and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finish the chicken: Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Nestle the chicken into the sauce. Place the entire skillet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F).
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and/or Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Don’t skimp on the garlic: Garlic lovers, feel free to increase the amount for an even more intense flavor.
- Make-ahead options: You can roast the garlic ahead of time.
- Adjust the creaminess: If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it a little longer before adding the chicken back in.
- Best skillet: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for its heat retention.
