This Creamy Herb Chicken is perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s rich and flavorful, made with juicy chicken cooked in a creamy herb sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds!
I love how quick and easy this is to whip up on busy nights. Just cook the chicken, stir in the sauce, and dinner is served. Plus, it pairs great with rice or veggies! 🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish light and tender. If you prefer, you can substitute with thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: This creates the creamy texture in the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free choice.
Herbs: Dried thyme, parsley, basil, and rosemary give a wonderful flavor. If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to use those! Just use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness to the sauce. You could use Pecorino Romano or a store-brand grated cheese instead if you don’t have Parmesan.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cream Sauce?
Making a thick, creamy sauce can be tricky, but these steps will help you get it just right:
- Start by sautéing garlic to bring out its flavor, but avoid burning it—just a minute will do.
- Once you add the chicken broth, scrape the skillet to incorporate those delicious browned bits—this adds depth!
- After stirring in the cream and herbs, let the mixture simmer gently. This will allow the flavors to meld nicely.
- Finally, when adding the Parmesan, make sure to stir constantly to prevent clumping and ensure it blends smoothly into the sauce.
Enjoy your cooking! I find that serving it with a simple side of veggies really balances the richness of the dish. Happy eating!
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Herb Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Time Needed:
This delicious Creamy Herb Chicken takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds great flavor! Now, stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, parsley, basil, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Parmesan:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to mix until it is melted and the sauce is creamy. This creates a rich base for your chicken.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the creamy herb sauce over the chicken, covering them well. Let them simmer for about 3-5 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy with rice, pasta, or your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Dig in and enjoy the creamy goodness of this herb-infused dish!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
Can I Make This Sauce Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. For the cheese, you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
What Can I Serve With Creamy Herb Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even steamed vegetables. You can also serve it over a bed of greens for a lighter meal!
