Description
Grilled Chicken with Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
Juicy, perfectly grilled chicken smothered in a rich, creamy garlic herb sauce—this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
For the Garlic Herb Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Season the Chicken: Rub chicken with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano.
Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/75°C). Remove and let rest.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add Parmesan & Herbs: Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Assemble & Serve: Pour the garlic herb sauce over the grilled chicken and garnish with extra parsley.
Pro Tip: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for flawless execution. First, pat the chicken breasts dry to ensure a good sear. Combine all dry seasonings in a small bowl before rubbing them, along with the oil, evenly onto the chicken. For grilling, ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. While the chicken rests (crucial for juicy results), start your sauce. Use medium heat for the garlic to avoid burning it, which makes it bitter. When simmering the cream and broth, let it reduce slightly to thicken before adding the cheese. Finally, add the parsley off the heat to preserve its fresh color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with various sides. For a classic comfort meal, serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered pasta. To keep it lighter, pair it with roasted asparagus, green beans, or a crisp garden salad. For a heartier option, consider garlic bread or a wild rice pilaf. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
How-to Summary
In brief: Season and grill chicken until cooked through. In the same pan, make a sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, adding cream and broth, simmering, then finishing with Parmesan and parsley. Pour sauce over the rested chicken and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Bone-in or boneless thighs work well but may require a slightly longer cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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 curdle. The sauce will be slightly less rich.
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 with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the sauce ahead and gently reheat it, adding a splash of broth to loosen it. For best texture, grill the chicken fresh.
What’s a good substitute for fresh parsley? Fresh basil, chives, or thyme are excellent alternatives. If using dried parsley, use about 1 tablespoon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: This leads to dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer and remove chicken at 165°F.
- Burning the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Sauté it on medium heat just until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Sauce: High heat can cause the Parmesan to clump or become greasy. Remove the pan from heat or turn it to low before stirring in the cheese.
- Skipping the Rest: Cutting into the chicken immediately lets the juices escape. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Conclusion
This Grilled Chicken with Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce is a restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to prepare at home. By mastering a few key techniques—like properly seasoning, monitoring temperatures, and building a flavorful pan sauce—you can create an impressive and delicious dinner any night of the week. The combination of juicy grilled chicken and the rich, herbaceous sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!