This creamy herb chicken is a cozy dish that’s super easy to whip up! It’s packed with flavor thanks to fresh herbs and cream, making every bite so tasty!
Honestly, what’s better than chicken that feels fancy but is simple to make? I love serving it with rice or pasta to soak up that creamy goodness. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook quickly and remain tender. If you prefer, you can substitute with thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind it may change the flavor slightly.
Dried Herbs: Using dried herbs is convenient, but fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley will make the dish even more vibrant. If you can’t find fresh herbs, feel free to adjust the quantity and use what you have on hand.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work well.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken to perfection is key for this dish! Make sure you follow these steps carefully:
- Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear.
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot before adding olive oil and the chicken. This will lock in moisture and flavor.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside and makes every bite tender.
Creamy Herb Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, thyme)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy herb chicken takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weekday dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to ensure they’re flavorful.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature; it should read 165°F. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Next, reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds flavors to the sauce! Then, stir in the heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Add the Butter:
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the butter until it’s completely melted and integrates smoothly into the sauce.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some creamy sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and blend those delicious flavors together.
7. Serve:
Garnish the chicken with fresh herbs if you’d like for an extra touch. Serve immediately with your favorite side, such as rice, pasta, or steamed veggies, and enjoy your creamy, herb-infused chicken delight!
FAQ for Creamy Herb Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier dish due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a minute or two longer to cook through completely.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute, but keep in mind this will change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. The sauce may thicken, so you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up again.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce in a skillet and add the cooked chicken to warm it through before serving.
