The First Bite
I still remember my first taste of this dish. The creamy sauce was so rich and smooth. It coated the tender chicken perfectly. The garlic and herbs filled the whole kitchen with warmth. Ever wondered how to turn simple chicken into something unforgettable? This recipe does just that. It feels like a warm hug on a cold night. That first bite made me a fan for life.
My Kitchen Mishap
My first try did not go perfectly. I was in a rush and burned the garlic. It turned bitter and made the sauce taste off. I had to start the entire sauce over again. This taught me to slow down and enjoy the process. Cooking is about the journey, not just the result. Now I savor every minute in my kitchen. What was your last funny cooking mistake?
Why It Works
This dish is a masterclass in flavor and texture. The crispy chicken meets a velvety, luxurious sauce. Salty olives and parmesan cut through the rich cream. Fresh thyme and parsley add a garden-fresh finish. Which flavor combo surprises you the most here? Share your thoughts below. The balance is what makes it so special. Every ingredient has a important job to do.
A Dish’s Journey
This recipe pulls from Italian home cooking traditions. It uses simple, fresh ingredients to create deep flavor. Dishes like this are made in homes across Sicily. They are meant to be shared with family around the table. *Did you know? Adding cheese off the heat keeps the sauce smooth.* This style of cooking focuses on love and comfort. Will you be making this for a special weeknight dinner?
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken tenderloins | 500 g (1.1 lb) | |
| All-purpose/plain flour | 1/4 cup (40 g) | use gluten-free if needed |
| Dried oregano | 2 tsp | |
| Sea salt | 1/4 tsp | |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1/4 tsp | |
| Unsalted butter | 1 tbsp | |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tsp | |
| Unsalted butter | 1 tbsp | |
| Garlic cloves | 5 large | finely chopped |
| Heavy whipping/thickened cream | 1 1/4 cups (310 ml) | |
| Fresh thyme leaves | 2 tsp | finely chopped |
| Sicilian green olives | 1/2 cup (90 g) | pitted, and sliced into three rounds |
| Parmesan cheese | 3/4 cup (60 g) | freshly grated |
| Flat-leaf parsley | 1/4 cup (15 g) | finely chopped |
| Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Get Ready for Creamy Garlic Chicken
Step 1
First, prepare your chicken tenderloins. Find the small, tough tendon at one end. Carefully cut it out with a sharp knife. (My hard-learned tip: don’t try to pull it out!).
Step 2
Mix flour, oregano, salt, and pepper on a plate. Toss the chicken in the mix. Coat each piece well. Then tap off any extra flour.
Step 3
Heat butter and oil in a large pan. Use medium-high heat for this step. You want the fat nice and hot. This gives the chicken a beautiful color.
Step 4
Cook the chicken for a few minutes per side. It should be golden and cooked through. Move it to a plate and cover it. This keeps the chicken warm and juicy.
Step 5
In the same pan, melt more butter. Add your finely chopped garlic. Sauté it for just one minute. *Fun fact: burning garlic makes it taste bitter!*
Step 6
Pour in the cream and add fresh thyme. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. It will start to thicken up nicely. Your kitchen will smell amazing now.
Step 7
Turn the heat down to low. Stir in the parmesan cheese and sliced olives. Taste your incredible sauce. Add more salt or pepper if you like.
Step 8
Put the chicken back into the pan. Turn off the heat completely. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You are now a kitchen hero. What is the key to keeping garlic from tasting bitter? Share below!
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Make It Your Own
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Try one of these tasty twists for a new meal.Mushroom Lover’s Swap: Use sliced mushrooms instead of chicken. They soak up the sauce perfectly.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir them in with the garlic.
Sun-Dried Tomato: Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of olives. It adds a sweet, tangy flavor. Which creative spin sounds best to you? Vote for your favorite in the comments!
Serving Your Masterpiece
This creamy chicken deserves the perfect plate. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. A simple green salad makes a great fresh side. For a drink, try a crisp white wine. A sparkling lemon water is a great non-alcoholic choice. Which would you choose tonight: pasta, rice, or potatoes?
Storing Your Creamy Garlic Chicken
Let your chicken cool completely before storing. It keeps in the fridge for three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the sauce creamy. A friend of mine doubles the recipe every time. She freezes half for a future easy dinner. Why this matters? A ready-made meal saves a busy weeknight.
Quick Fixes for Common Hiccups
Is your sauce too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer. It will thicken up nicely. If the sauce breaks or looks oily, whisk in a splash of cream. Too salty? A little more cream can balance it out. Always taste as you cook. What’s your best kitchen save? Share your tips with us below.
Your Creamy Chicken Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. It works perfectly here.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
You can make the sauce a day ahead. Just add the chicken when you reheat.
What can I use instead of olives?
Try sun-dried tomatoes or capers. They give a similar salty punch.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a very large pan so the chicken browns properly.
What’s a lighter cream option?
Half-and-half works, but the sauce will be a bit thinner. Why this matters? Swaps let you make the dish your own.
Your Turn in the Kitchen
I hope this dish becomes a family favorite for you. It feels like a warm hug. Did you try a fun swap? I love hearing your ideas.
Share your photos and tag @AmeliaHartwell on Pinterest.
Happy cooking! —Amelia Hartwell.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe for a Delicious Dinner
Description
A rich and flavorful creamy garlic chicken dish, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Have all your ingredients prepared before you start to cook.There is a small, white, tough tendon at the end of the chicken tenderloin. You will need to remove it with a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. There’s no need to remove it all; the tendon inside the meat is very thin and you won’t notice it after cooking but it is important to remove the larger, thicker piece. Don’t try to pull it out or the meat may fall apart.
- On a large plate, mix the flour, oregano, salt and pepper. Toss the chicken in it so it is well coated. Tap off any excess flour.
- In a large frying pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until just cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. Loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
- In the same pan, over medium heat add the remaining butter and melt. Add in the garlic, and sauté for 1 minute, being careful to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Add in the cream and fresh thyme. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Lower the heat and add in the parmesan cheese and olives. Stir well. Check that the seasoning is to your liking.
- Return the chicken to the pan and turn off the heat. Serve with the finely chopped parsley.
Notes
- Note 1: Use gluten-free flour if needed. Note 2: Unsalted butter is recommended to control the saltiness. Note 3: Heavy whipping cream or thickened cream works best for a rich sauce. Note 4: Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
