This Creamy Herb Chicken is a tasty dish that’s perfect for busy dinners. It’s made with chicken breasts, fresh herbs, and a creamy sauce that makes every bite delicious!
I love how quickly this comes together. Just pan-fry the chicken, stir in the sauce, and voilà! You have a meal that feels special but is super easy to make. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is perfect for this dish. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use boneless thighs. They add extra moisture and flavor!
Heavy Cream: This creates a luscious sauce, but you can replace it with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option. Just keep in mind the sauce will be less rich.
Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work great, I love using fresh ones for added flavor. If you can’t find fresh parsley, try using basil or cilantro for a different twist.
Parmesan Cheese: For a strong salty flavor, use Parmigiano-Reggiano. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a good substitute for that cheesy taste.
How Do You Achieve That Perfect Creamy Sauce?
The key to a rich and creamy sauce lies in proper simmering and stirring. Here’s how I like to do it:
- After adding the garlic, be sure not to burn it—cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
- When introducing the cream and broth, stir well to combine and scrape up any flavor bits from the skillet. This adds depth to your sauce!
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes. This thickens it up nicely! Don’t rush this step.
- Finally, if you want a bright touch, stir in the lemon juice at the end for a fresh finish.
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and 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 rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner. Just about 30-35 minutes from start to table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by generously seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This adds flavor right from the beginning!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
3. Create the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn! Next, pour in the chicken broth, stirring all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where the flavor lives!
4. Add Creamy Goodness:
Now, add the heavy cream, dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you want a bright flavor, you can add the lemon juice here, too!
5. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy herb sauce over them. Allow it all to warm up together for an extra 2-3 minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot alongside your favorite sides, like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Herb Chicken!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe works great with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can also use thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust cooking times as dark meat may take a bit longer to reach the appropriate internal temperature.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative. For the cheese, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What Sides Pair Well with Creamy Herb Chicken?
This dish goes wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of steamed vegetables. You can also serve it over pasta for a hearty meal. A light salad can add a fresh touch to balance out the creaminess!
