This creamy herb chicken is a cozy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with fresh herbs—yum!
What I love is how quickly it comes together. Just cook the chicken, whip up the sauce, and dinner is ready! Plus, it makes the whole kitchen smell amazing! 🐔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this dish easy and quick. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken thighs work great too—they stay juicy during cooking!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream.
Herbs: Dried herbs are convenient, but fresh herbs boost flavor! I love using fresh thyme, parsley, and rosemary when I have them. If you’re out of thyme, Italian seasoning can work in a pinch.
Parmesan Cheese: Adding this cheese enhances the flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, pecorino cheese is a good alternative. Nutritional yeast is great for dairy-free options!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Juicy Chicken?
Cooking chicken properly is key to keeping it juicy. First, season the chicken before cooking. This helps enhance flavor. When cooking, don’t overcrowd the skillet; this ensures even cooking. Use medium-high heat to get that nice golden color.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes on each side and check for doneness using a meat thermometer (165°F is safe).
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside!
How Can I Make a Creamy Sauce without Curdling?
Cream can curdle if heated too quickly. To avoid this, always add the cream after removing the pan from high heat. Stir it in slowly and let it simmer—that’s the sweet spot! I suggest keeping the heat on medium-low after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken
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 Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy herb chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, plan for around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This enhances the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
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 are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to pick up any tasty browned bits. Then, stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens a bit.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over each piece of chicken and let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes so the chicken warms through and absorbs some sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve:
When ready to serve, garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chives. This creamy herb chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite vegetable side.
Enjoy your creamy herb chicken meal—it’s an easy dinner the whole family will love!
FAQ for Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra moisture and flavor to the dish. Just ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F, similar to chicken breasts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lower in Calories?
To lighten it up, consider using half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of cheese or omit it altogether without sacrificing too much flavor.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat to gently warm through before serving.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Herb Chicken?
This dish is delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up all the creamy sauce. Steamed vegetables or a simple side salad also complement it nicely!
