Irish Chicken in Garlic Cream Sauce

Hearty, rich, and full of homestyle flavor, this Irish Chicken in Garlic Cream Sauce is a comforting classic you’ll want to make again and again. Pan-seared chicken breasts are simmered in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce with simple Irish-inspired herbs. It’s the perfect dish to serve with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or over buttered noodles for a satisfying, soul-warming meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Skillet Meal – All the flavor, minimal cleanup.
Rich & Creamy – The sauce is velvety smooth with a comforting garlic kick.
Cozy & Satisfying – A rustic Irish-style dish perfect for any season.
Fast & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, but tastes like you spent hours.
Crowd Favorite – Great for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter (extra for sauce)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for tang)
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes & Serving:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra cracked black pepper
• Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or crusty bread for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Tongs or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Whisk
• Plate for resting chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low.
Add 1 tbsp butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown the garlic).
Pour in chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits.
Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard (if using), and parsley.
Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Return Chicken to Pan
Add the chicken back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to warm everything through and combine flavors.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and extra cracked black pepper.
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles with plenty of sauce.

Tips for Success
Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Use a thermometer to get perfect results every time.
Use Heavy Cream – It provides the richest flavor and won’t curdle when simmered.
Deglaze Well – Scraping the pan after searing the chicken adds deep flavor to the sauce.
Keep Garlic Golden, Not Brown – Too much browning can turn it bitter.
Let It Rest – Allow the chicken to rest briefly before slicing or serving.

Serving Suggestions
Mashed Potatoes – Perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy sauce.
Roasted Carrots or Asparagus – A colorful, fresh veggie side.
Crusty Irish Soda Bread – Ideal for dipping into the garlic cream.
Buttered Egg Noodles – Quick and satisfying with the sauce.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Sauce may separate slightly, but chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth if needed.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, stirring the sauce between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and are extra juicy.

2. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner. Add 1 tsp flour to help thicken.

3. What makes this dish “Irish”?
It’s inspired by Irish cooking staples: garlic, cream, butter, and rustic simplicity.

4. Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or peas make great additions.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream and butter alternatives for a similar texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Irish Chicken in Garlic Cream Sauce brings cozy, pub-style comfort straight to your home kitchen. With simple ingredients and rich, creamy flavor, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a casual special occasion. Serve it over fluffy potatoes or with crusty bread, and get ready for a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and always a hit.

Give it a try and bring a taste of Irish warmth to your next meal!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Irish-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 425 | Protein: 36g | Carbohydrates: 4g | Fat: 30g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 460mg

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