Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken with Crispy Fries
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp paprika
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves
(minced)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish
For the Fries:
3 large potatoes
(cut into fries)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
Prepare the Fries:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss the potato fries with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy
.
Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through
.
Remove the chicken and set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant
.
Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes
.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 minutes to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce
.
Serve the chicken with the crispy fries on the side, and garnish with chopped parsley
.
This creamy garlic chicken paired with crispy fries is a comforting meal that’s simple yet indulgent. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by prepping all ingredients: cut potatoes into even fries, mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and pat chicken dry. This “mise en place” ensures a smooth cooking process. For perfect fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes, then thoroughly dry them before tossing with oil and seasoning; this removes excess starch for maximum crispiness. When searing the chicken, ensure your skillet is hot before adding it to get a proper golden crust without steaming. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking before adding it back to the sauce to keep it juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this dish family-style on a large platter or individually for a restaurant-quality presentation. Drizzle extra sauce over the fries for an indulgent touch. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or steamed green beans. A crisp, cold glass of Chardonnay or a light lager complements the creamy garlic flavors beautifully.
How-to Summary
This meal comes together by first roasting seasoned potato fries until crispy. Simultaneously, pan-sear seasoned chicken breasts until golden and cooked through. Using the same skillet, create a luxurious sauce by sautéing garlic, then simmering with broth, cream, mustard, and Parmesan. Combine the chicken with the sauce and serve alongside the hot fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs are a great option and will stay very moist. Adjust cooking time slightly, as they may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
How can I make the sauce lighter? Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but be careful not to boil it vigorously, as it may separate. The sauce will be slightly less rich and thick.
My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it? Let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce. You can also create a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and whisking it into the simmering sauce.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? Yes. You can cut the potatoes and keep them in water in the fridge. The garlic can be minced ahead. For best results, cook the fries and chicken fresh.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat the chicken and sauce gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream. Re-crisp the fries in an air fryer or oven to restore their texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Pan: Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken or the baking sheet when roasting fries. This leads to steaming, preventing a crispy, golden exterior.
- Overcooking the Garlic: Sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
- Adding Cold Chicken to the Sauce: Let the sauce thicken properly before returning the (slightly rested) chicken to the pan. Adding it too early can cool the sauce and prevent proper thickening.
- Cutting Fries Unevenly: Inconsistent fry sizes lead to uneven cooking, with some pieces burnt and others undercooked.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Crispy Fries is a quintessential comfort dish that balances simplicity with decadent flavor. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a restaurant-worthy meal at home. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken enveloped in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce alongside perfectly crispy fries is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!