This Creamy Herb Chicken is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for busy nights! Juicy chicken is smothered in a rich, creamy sauce filled with fresh herbs.
You can’t go wrong with a meal that’s both easy to make and delicious. I love serving it over rice or pasta to soak up all that yummy sauce! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for a quick meal. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor and tenderness. Alternatively, tofu or chickpeas make great substitutes for a vegetarian option.
Heavy cream: This gives the dish its creaminess, but you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version. Keep in mind, the texture will be different.
Fresh herbs: If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use other herbs like cilantro or chives. Dried herbs work too; just use less since they are more concentrated. I love to mix in fresh dill for a fresh twist.
Parmesan cheese: This adds great flavor. You can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Can I Make the Cream Sauce Extra Flavorful?
The secret lies in how you handle the garlic and the deglazing process. After cooking the chicken, don’t skip scraping the browned bits from the skillet. This adds a depth of flavor to your sauce.
- Make sure the skillet is at medium heat when adding the garlic; this prevents burning it.
- As you add the chicken broth, use a wooden spoon to scrape up the tasty bits stuck on the bottom—this is where all the flavor hides!
- Let the sauce simmer before adding the chicken back in, so the flavors meld beautifully.
By focusing on these little details, your creamy herb chicken will shine with flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe for Easy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious and creamy herb chicken recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and then about 20 minutes cooking everything in the skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step will bring out the natural flavors.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, making sure not to burn it!
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom. Then stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, basil, oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken.
5. Finish the Dish:
If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, add the optional tablespoon of butter and stir until melted and combined. Now, return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy herb sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat them through.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Finally, garnish your creamy herb chicken with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Pair it with your choice of rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy your easy and flavorful dinner!
FAQ for Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw is in the refrigerator overnight or by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for a quicker method. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover creamy herb chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I Use Fresh Herbs Instead of Dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs will enhance the flavor wonderfully. You can use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried ones, so if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, use 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme instead!
