How a Weeknight Experiment Became Our Family’s Go-To Dinner

There’s something magical about those evenings when necessity sparks creativity in the kitchen. This Chicken Steak with White Garlic Sauce recipe was born on one of those nights—when our budget was tight, the refrigerator was nearly empty, and my family was craving something special that would transport us beyond our usual weeknight fare.

Chicken breast, often overlooked as boring or plain, has always been my secret weapon for budget-friendly meals. That night, with just a few pantry staples and a little technique, this humble ingredient transformed into something that had my husband asking if I’d been taking secret cooking classes. Even my youngest, who typically pushes chicken around on his plate, asked for seconds.

What started as an economical solution to an empty refrigerator has become one of our family’s most requested meals. It’s proof that you don’t need expensive cuts of meat or specialty ingredients to create a dinner that feels special enough for company but simple enough for a Monday night.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Steak with White Garlic Sauce

Serves 4 | Cost per serving: Approximately $3.25

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) ($6.00)
2 tablespoons olive oil ($0.30)
4 tablespoons butter, divided ($0.50)
6 cloves garlic, minced ($0.25)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour ($0.02)
1 cup chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium) ($0.50)
1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half ($0.40)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ($0.05)
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper ($0.05)
Salt to taste ($0.01)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped ($0.25 or free from garden)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional) ($0.15)

Equipment:

Heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan
Meat mallet or heavy rolling pin
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Whisk

Let’s Make Chicken Steak with White Garlic Sauce!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This creates a “steak-like” cut that cooks quickly and evenly.
Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes (this helps it cook more evenly).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Steaks

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
When the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chicken breasts.
Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes, until a golden crust forms on the bottom.
Flip and cook for another 4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Create the Luscious White Garlic Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pan.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Add the milk or half-and-half, dried thyme, and white pepper.
Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the pan with the sauce.
Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for 1-2 minutes to rewarm the chicken.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest if using.
Serve immediately, making sure to spoon plenty of sauce over each chicken steak.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The beauty of this Chicken Steak with White Garlic Sauce lies in its simplicity and the magic that happens when humble ingredients come together. What makes it a winner in our household:

Budget-Friendly: Uses chicken breast, one of the most economical proteins
Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, about 30 minutes
Restaurant Quality: Looks and tastes like something from a fine dining menu
Kid-Approved: The mild, creamy sauce appeals to even picky eaters
Versatile: Works with any side dish from mashed potatoes to simple steamed vegetables

Make It Your Own: Variation Ideas

One of the reasons I love this recipe is how adaptable it is:

Herb Lover’s Version: Add 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary and oregano to the sauce
Wine-Infused Sauce: Replace 1/4 cup of broth with white wine for added depth
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan into the finished sauce
Vegetable Boost: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms when sautéing the garlic
Spice Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for gentle heat

Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe

As always, I’m finding ways to make delicious food without breaking the bank:

Buy chicken breasts in bulk when on sale and freeze individual portions
Make your own chicken broth from leftover bones and vegetable scraps
Use dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available or affordable
Substitute evaporated milk for half-and-half (it’s usually cheaper and has a long shelf life)
Serve with affordable sides like rice, pasta, or in-season vegetables

Storing and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezing: The sauce may separate when frozen and thawed, so I don’t recommend freezing
Reheating: Gently warm in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much

From My Kitchen to Yours

This Chicken Steak with White Garlic Sauce has become more than just a budget-friendly meal in our home—it’s become a symbol of how simple ingredients can create something truly special. On busy weeknights or when unexpected company drops by, this recipe has saved me countless times.

I find such joy in creating recipes that don’t strain your wallet but still bring that “wow” factor to your table. This dish proves that with a little technique and love, everyday ingredients can be transformed into something that makes dinner feel like an occasion.

What I love most is watching my family’s faces when I serve this—the way their eyes light up at the first bite always reminds me that the best food isn’t about expensive ingredients; it’s about cooking with care and creativity.

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Chicken Steak with White Garlic Sauce: Budget-Friendly Comfort Food That Impresses

This juicy chicken steak is perfectly seared and served with a rich and creamy white garlic sauce. It’s a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Equipment

* Skillet
* Spoon
* Knife
* Cutting Board

Ingredients

* 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 3 cloves garlic minced
* 1 cup heavy cream
* ½ cup chicken broth
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried parsley
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour optional, for thickening

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Stir in the heavy cream, butter, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Bring to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
If you’d like a thicker sauce, whisk in a tablespoon of flour and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat the chicken through.
Serve the chicken steaks with the garlic sauce on top, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

FAQ About Chicken Steak with White Garlic Sauce

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and often bring more flavor. They don’t need as much pounding but will need an extra minute or two of cooking time.

My sauce separated! How can I fix it? If your sauce looks grainy or separated, remove from heat and whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cold butter until smooth.

Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Substitute olive oil for butter and use unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk in place of dairy milk. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What sides go best with this dish? My family loves this with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce. For a lighter meal, serve with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

How can I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the flour to 1.5 tablespoons or let the sauce simmer a bit longer.

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Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with friends looking for budget-friendly family dinner ideas!

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