This creamy herb chicken is a simple and tasty meal! With tender chicken and a rich herb-filled sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
You can serve it with rice or pasta for an extra hug of comfort. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds, and they won’t even know how easy it was to make! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can use thighs for extra flavor, or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creaminess. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you could use half-and-half, or for dairy-free versions, try coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk thickened with a bit of flour.
Herbs: Dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley are used here for flavor. Fresh herbs always work better, so if you have them on hand, definitely use fresh! You can also experiment with basil or oregano based on your taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a lovely salty and nutty flavor to the sauce. Grated Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be substituted for a vegan-friendly option.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken just right can make a big difference. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear.
- Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side. If they’re thicker, they might need a bit longer—use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps it stay juicy.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll create a delightful creamy herb chicken that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or thyme)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy herb chicken can be ready in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes on prep (like seasoning the chicken and chopping garlic) and around 20 minutes cooking. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will add flavor to the meat as it cooks.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Turn the heat down to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. These bits add great flavor to your sauce!
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Add in the heavy cream, dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. If you want an extra touch of richness, add the optional butter and stir until it’s melted.
6. Combine and Simmer:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all the delicious sauce!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the dish with fresh herbs. Serve the creamy herb chicken warm alongside your choice of sides, like rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your wonderfully creamy and flavorful dinner!
This dish is not just quick and easy, but it’s also packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and will provide an even richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Heavy Cream?
Yes! If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, or, for a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Keep in mind that the sauce might be slightly less thick and creamy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce if needed.
What Can I Serve with Creamy Herb Chicken?
This dish pairs deliciously with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. You might also enjoy it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
