Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken with Parmesan
Indulge in this delightful dish of Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken with Parmesan that combines tender, succulent chicken breasts with a rich, savory sauce. This meal is not only bursting with flavor but also offers a healthier twist on traditional creamy pasta sauces. The roasted garlic lends a sweet and mellow taste, while the creamy combination of milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan creates a luxurious texture. Perfectly paired with fluffy mashed potatoes or your favorite pasta, this dish will have everyone reaching for seconds. Enjoy a restaurant-quality experience right at home with this easy and satisfying recipe!
3
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
7-10 (Whole, peeled)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 (Trimmed)
White wine
1/3 cup (Dry)
Chicken stock
1 cup (Low sodium preferred)
Parsley
2 teaspoons (Chopped, fresh)
Garlic powder
1 tablespoon (Ground)
Milk
1/2 cup (Whole or low-fat)
Cream cheese
4 ounces (Softened)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Pepper
To taste (Freshly ground)
Olive oil
As needed (For cooking)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (For sauce thickening (optional))
Water
1 tablespoon (For sauce thickening (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
Coat the garlic cloves with olive oil, wrap them tightly in foil, and roast them in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until soft and fragrant. Once done, carefully remove from the foil and mash the garlic cloves until smooth.
3
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with black pepper and sear them until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. They do not need to be fully cooked at this point. Remove the chicken and place it in a casserole dish.
4
In the same skillet, deglaze with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to boil for a minute before adding chicken stock, parsley, and the mashed roasted garlic. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5
Stir in the milk and softened cream cheese, mixing until the cream cheese is fully incorporated. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6
Taste the sauce and season with freshly ground black pepper, and salt if necessary. Remember that the chicken stock and Parmesan can be salty, so adjust accordingly.
7
Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the seared chicken in the casserole dish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8
If the sauce is too thin, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl, then whisk into the simmering sauce until thickened.
9
Serve hot over mashed potatoes or your favorite pasta for a comforting meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken with Parmesan?
It is a succulent dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, savory sauce made with roasted garlic, parmesan, and cream cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 3 people.
How long should I roast the garlic cloves?
Roast the garlic cloves for 15-20 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
What temperature is used to roast the garlic?
The garlic should be roasted at 450°F (232°C).
How do I prepare the garlic for roasting?
Coat the peeled cloves with olive oil and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been trimmed are best for this dish.
How long do I need to sear the chicken in the skillet?
Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Does the chicken need to be fully cooked during the searing process?
No, the chicken does not need to be fully cooked while searing; it will finish cooking in the oven.
What is the purpose of deglazing the skillet with white wine?
Deglazing helps to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate them into the sauce.
Can I substitute the white wine in the sauce?
Yes, you can use extra chicken stock or a splash of lemon juice if you prefer not to use wine.
How do I ensure the cream cheese blends smoothly into the sauce?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the skillet and mix until fully incorporated.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese after the milk and cream cheese have been mixed in.
How long does the chicken bake in the oven?
Bake the chicken in the sauce for 25-35 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What is the baking temperature for the casserole portion?
The casserole is baked at 350°F (175°C).
How can I thicken the sauce if it is too runny?
Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and whisk the mixture into the simmering sauce.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered.
What are some recommended sides for this dish?
This chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes or your favorite pasta.
Can I use low-fat milk for the sauce?
Yes, you can use either whole milk or low-fat milk for this recipe.
Is fresh parsley necessary?
Freshly chopped parsley is recommended for the best flavor, but dried parsley can be used in a smaller amount if needed.
Why does the recipe suggest tasting before adding extra salt?
The chicken stock and Parmesan cheese are already salty, so it's important to taste the sauce first to avoid over-salting.
Can I use garlic powder instead of roasting fresh garlic?
While the recipe uses both, the roasted garlic provides a sweet, mellow depth that powder alone cannot replicate.
What kind of white wine should I use?
A dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, is recommended.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it offers a healthier twist on traditional heavy cream sauces by using milk and cream cheese for texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including optional items for thickening.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the roasted garlic and sauce ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready.
What if I don't have a casserole dish?
Any oven-safe baking pan or deep oven-safe skillet will work for the final baking step.
Is the garlic flavor very strong?
Because the garlic is roasted, the flavor is sweet and mellow rather than sharp and pungent.