In the realm of satisfying meals, few things beat a creamy, garlic-infused chicken dinner. It’s a classic for a reason – it’s delicious, comforting, and surprisingly simple to whip up, especially when you’re short on time. This recipe for Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast Dinner is not only my husband’s favorite, but it’s also a go-to in our household for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken fillets
- Salt and pepper
- 100 grams of butter, divided
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 10 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 leek, sliced
- Paprika
- 500ml heavy cream
- 50 grams of chopped spinach
- Vegetable oil
- 200 grams of pasta
- 1 carrot, grated
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the chicken fillets. Place them between two sheets of cling film and use a kitchen hammer to gently pound them on one side. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt 50 grams of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 50 grams of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the chopped garlic and sliced leek to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Season the mixture with salt and paprika, to taste. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
- Return the cooked chicken fillets to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side, until heated through.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add a splash of vegetable oil to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente.
- In a separate pan, heat some vegetable oil and fry the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the grated carrot to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Season with salt, to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken fillets from scratch.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the pasta, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas, for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy garlic sauce.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- To make this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb, substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Use heavy cream and butter liberally, as they are low in carbs and high in fat.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and onion to suit your taste preferences and carb limits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken fillets? A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work perfectly in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the creamy garlic chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach? A: Yes, frozen spinach will work fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
My husband’s favorite creamy garlic chicken breast dinner is a testament to the fact that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it – I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your household too!
