This Creamy Herb Chicken is super easy to whip up and packed with flavor! Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a rich and creamy sauce made with fresh herbs. Yum!
It’s a recipe that makes dinner feel special without the fuss. I love serving it with rice or pasta to soak up that delicious sauce. Who can say no to creamy goodness? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they cook nicely and remain juicy. You can substitute with thighs for a richer flavor or even turkey cutlets if you prefer.
Heavy Cream: This creates the creamy sauce that makes the dish so rich. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option, although it will slightly change the taste.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang to the sauce. If you don’t have Dijon on hand, yellow mustard works fine. Some people like adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness instead.
Herbs: Fresh herbs are ideal for flavor. If you can’t find fresh thyme, parsley, or basil, dried herbs are a good substitute, just use less since they are more potent.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth to the sauce. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute if you’re looking for a stronger flavor. Nutritional yeast is a nice dairy-free alternative too!
How Do You Perfectly Deglaze the Pan?
Deglazing your pan is key to getting all the delicious flavors infused into your sauce. Here’s how to do it:
- After cooking the chicken, keep the heat on medium-high.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet. It will sizzle! Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom.
- This not only improves the sauce’s flavor but also prevents sticking, which ensures a smooth, creamy texture later on.
Don’t rush this step! The brown bits contain incredible flavor that enhances your dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 😊
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black 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 (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything up. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First things first, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. This is an important step for enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Make sure not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Now it’s time to bring all those yummy flavors into your sauce! Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. This is where all the flavor magic happens!
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Next, stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and the dried herbs (thyme, parsley, and basil). Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes so it can thicken slightly and develop a nice creamy texture.
6. Add the Cheese:
Now for the creamy goodness! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is nice and creamy.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve your creamy herb chicken hot with your favorite sides like rice, pasta, or vegetables. Enjoy your delicious meal! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even bone-in chicken pieces. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in pieces will take longer to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk works well, though it will slightly alter the flavor of the dish.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Creamy Herb Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy sauce ahead of time and cook the chicken separately. Simply combine them when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great meal prep option for busy weeknights!
