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Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken Recipe

Tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, finished with herbs for a savory, mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with rice or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp mayo
• 1/4 cup flour
• tsp paprika
• tsp onion powder
• tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• tsp salt
• tsp pepper
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1/2 onion
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• parmesan to taste
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• parsley to serve
• red pepper flakes to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics and Chicken
   Begin by finely chopping your garlic cloves and half an onion, setting them aside for later use. With a sharp knife, carefully slice the two chicken breasts into four even cutlets, ensuring they are all of similar thickness for even cooking. Once done, set these aside as well, ready for the next step.

2. Step 2: Coat the Chicken
   On a large plate, combine flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly with a fork to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Generously spread mayonnaise on both sides of the chicken cutlets, then press each piece into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure each is well coated. The mayo acts as a glue, helping the flour stick while adding moisture to the chicken.

3. Step 3: Cook the Chicken
   Heat a splash of oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Place the flour-coated chicken cutlets in the pan and fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate, allowing them to rest and lock in their juices.

4. Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
   Using the same pan, add the chopped onions and sauté them for a couple of minutes until they become soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it's fragrant. Toss in the butter, and as it melts, sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly until you achieve a thick, bubbly paste.

5. Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
   Pour in the chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a simmer, which will help thicken the sauce. Once it's gently bubbling, add in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and luscious. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld together beautifully.

6. Step 6: Season and Enrich the Sauce
   Turn off the heat and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in shredded Parmesan cheese to your liking, which will melt into the sauce, adding a rich, savory depth. The sauce should be creamy and slightly thick, perfect for smothering the chicken.

7. Step 7: Combine and Garnish
   Return the rested chicken cutlets to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for a pop of color and a hint of heat. Let the chicken heat back through in the warm sauce, absorbing all those delightful flavors.

8. Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
   Your creamy garlic smothered chicken is now ready to be served alongside your choice of rice, potatoes, pasta, or any preferred side. Dig in and savor the comforting blend of creamy sauce and tender chicken, a dish sure to delight everyone at the table.

Notes

Whipping up Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken can be a breeze, but a few missteps can make it less enjoyable. One common blunder is not slicing the chicken evenly. This leads to uneven cooking, with some parts overdone while others remain undercooked. Aim for uniform cutlets to achieve that perfect golden sear.

Another oopsie? Overcrowding the pan. Crowding prevents the chicken from browning nicely. Cook in batches if needed!

And when it comes to the sauce, resist the urge to rush. Letting those onions and garlic gently sizzle will build a delightful flavor base.

Lastly, don't skimp on seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, and parmesan to your preference for a dish that truly sings. Embrace these tips, and your meal will be a flavorful triumph!