How to Make Delicious Garlic Sauce for Chicken

There is nothing better than chicken and garlic together. The savory, aromatic flavor of garlic goes well with the mild flavor of chicken. A creamy, garlicky sauce is a simple way to combine these two foods. Here are some easy steps you can follow to make garlic sauce for chicken.

Why Make Garlic Sauce?

Garlic sauce is a quick and easy way to add big flavor to plain chicken breasts tenders or thighs. It can transform a boring weeknight dinner into something restaurant-worthy with little effort. Other benefits of garlic sauce include

• Adds moisture – Garlic sauce helps keep chicken juicy and tender.

• Easy to make – Most garlic sauce recipes call for just 5-10 ingredients you likely have on hand.

• Endless uses – Toss with pasta, drizzle over vegetables, use as a dip and more.

• Kid-friendly – The creamy base helps mellow out the garlic for little ones.

• Customizable – Switch up herbs, cheese, spices and more to suit your taste.

With just a few minutes of prep, you can have a creamy, flavor-packed garlic sauce ready to dress up chicken or anything else!

How to Make Garlic Sauce

For garlic sauce, you first sauté garlic and then let it cook in a creamy base like half-and-half, milk, or broth. Thickeners, like cornstarch or flour, help make the sauce the right consistency. Herbs, spices and citrus add extra dimension.

Most garlic sauce recipes follow a similar process:

1. Sauté the garlic

• Melt 1-2 tbsp butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add 2-6 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.

2. Simmer in a creamy base

• Pour in 1-2 cups of half and half, heavy cream, whole milk, broth or a mix. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes.

3. Thicken the sauce

• Whisk in flour, cornstarch or a roux to thicken to desired consistency. Let simmer 2-3 minutes more.

4. Season and finish

• Stir in herbs like parsley, basil or oregano. Add lemon juice, pepper, salt and other seasoning.

That’s the basic method! Now let’s look at some specific recipes.

5-Ingredient Garlic Cream Sauce

This easy garlic cream sauce from Laura Fuentes comes together in just 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half or heavy cream

Steps:

1. Melt butter and sauté garlic cloves for 2 minutes.

2. Add Italian seasoning and toast 30 seconds more.

3. Pour in chicken broth and simmer 3-4 minutes.

4. Add warmed half and half or cream and simmer to reduce and thicken slightly.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

This quick sauce needs just a few pantry staples. Use it to top chicken, pasta, roasted vegetables and more!

Creamy Garlic Sauce with Parsley

Use heavy cream as the base for a garlic sauce that is extra creamy. This recipe from AllRecipes adds parsley for freshness.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water, divided
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

Steps:

1. In a saucepan, boil 1/4 cup water with the garlic and garlic powder until reduced, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in heavy cream and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Mix cornstarch with remaining 1/4 cup water. Whisk into sauce and cook 3 minutes until thickened.

The heavy cream creates an ultra silky sauce. It tastes great on chicken breasts, pasta, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables.

Garlic Sauce with Bouillon and Milk

For a lighter garlic sauce, use broth and milk as the base. This recipe from Food.com keeps it simple.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot water
• 2 tsp chicken bouillon powder
• 1 cup skim milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper
• 1 lemon wedge

Steps:

1. Melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

2. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook 1 minute.

3. Mix bouillon powder, water and milk. Pour into roux while whisking.

4. Simmer until thickened. Squeeze in lemon juice.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

The milk and broth make a lower-fat sauce. Sprinkle with parsley or chives for extra flavor.

Tips for the Best Garlic Sauce

• Use minced fresh garlic or garlic powder, not jarred garlic.

• Cook the garlic just until fragrant; don’t burn it.

• For a thicker sauce, use less liquid or extra cornstarch or flour.

• Add any herbs, lemon juice, spices or cheese after simmering.

• For convenience, make the sauce ahead and reheat to serve.

Now that you know how to make garlic sauce for chicken or anything else, it’s time to get cooking! Sauté that garlic and transform any weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy meal.