This creamy herb chicken is a tasty way to brighten up your dinner table! It features tender chicken cooked in a rich sauce filled with fresh herbs and a touch of cream—yum!
What’s great about this recipe is how quick it comes together. I love serving it with rice or pasta because they soak up that delicious sauce perfectly. Simple and satisfying! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. You could also use chicken thighs if you want a richer flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives a velvety texture to the sauce. If you want a lighter option, you can substitute it with half-and-half or coconut milk, though this will alter the flavor slightly.
Herbs: Fresh herbs add amazing flavor, but dried herbs work too! For substitutions, you can use any mix of dried or fresh herbs that you have on hand. For instance, Italian seasoning is a great blend you can use.
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional but adds depth to the sauce. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you could try nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
How Do You Get the Chicken Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken just right is important! Here’s how to do it:
- First, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps to sear it well.
- Cook the chicken breasts for around 5-7 minutes on each side. Avoid flipping them too often; let them get that nice golden color.
- Check if the chicken is done by cutting into the thickest part—there should be no pink, and juices should run clear.
Following these tips will ensure you have juicy, perfectly cooked chicken for your creamy herb dish!
Creamy Herb Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. This will add flavor to your chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check if they’re done by cutting into the thickest part—there should be no pink inside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet you cooked the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until it’s fragrant (be careful not to burn it!). Next, pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, which adds great flavor to your sauce. Then, stir in the heavy cream and all the dried herbs (thyme, parsley, basil, and rosemary). Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it has thickened slightly.
4. Add Cheese and Combine:
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, stir it into the sauce until it melts and combines nicely. This step adds richness and flavor!
5. Return the Chicken:
Put the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon some of the delicious sauce over them. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color. Serve your creamy herb chicken warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Enjoy your delicious dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitution and will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish. Just make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
To lighten up this dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or replace it with unsweetened almond milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch to thicken. You can also skip the cheese or use a smaller amount of grated Parmesan for flavor without the extra calories.
What Herbs Can I Substitute?
If you don’t have the listed herbs, you can use Italian seasoning as a substitute for multiple dried herbs. Fresh herbs can also be used; just double the amount since they have a milder flavor than dried.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet on low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of cream to the sauce if it seems too thick.
