This Creamy Herb Chicken is a cozy dinner that’s both tasty and simple! Juicy chicken pieces are cooked in a rich, herby sauce that brings all the flavors together.
If you’re like me, you love meals that come together quickly. Just sear the chicken, whip up the sauce, and you’re ready to eat! Perfect with rice or pasta!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you want to switch it up, feel free to use thighs for more flavor and juiciness. They will also cook well in this creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk, but the texture will differ.
Cheese: I love using Parmesan for its sharp flavor. If you don’t have any, try Pecorino Romano for a similar taste or leave it out for a lighter dish (just adjust the seasoning to your taste).
Herbs: I use dried herbs here for convenience, but fresh herbs take it to another level. If you have fresh thyme or parsley on hand, use them for an extra burst of flavor!
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your chicken just right is essential and not tricky at all! Here are some simple tips:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before you add the chicken. This will help get that lovely golden color.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Too much chicken at once can cause steaming instead of searing.
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. This ensures juicy, tender chicken without overcooking.
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Herb Chicken recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything. It’s a quick and delicious option for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides. This will bring out the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re at 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute or until it becomes fragrant but be careful not to burn it!
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any flavorful bits stuck to it. This adds more depth to your sauce. Next, stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, basil, parsley, and rosemary. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken a bit.
5. Add the Cheese:
Now, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and becomes creamy. This is where all the flavors come together beautifully!
6. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for another 3 minutes to heat through.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your Creamy Herb Chicken warm over rice, pasta, or alongside some steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s important to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of sealing them in a plastic bag and placing them in cold water for about an hour.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream for a Lighter Option?
Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind that using milk may result in a thinner sauce, so you might need to simmer it a bit longer to thicken.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Herb Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it over a bed of fresh greens or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
