This creamy herb chicken is a tasty dish made with juicy chicken breasts, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s rich and full of flavor, perfect for dinner!
You’ll love how quick and easy it is to whip up. Just cook the chicken, mix in the creamy sauce, and enjoy! Believe me, your taste buds will thank you! 🐔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs, which can be juicier and more flavorful.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter alternative, use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream option like coconut cream. Just remember, this will change the flavor a bit!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan works best for its creamy texture and flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, pecorino Romano is a great substitute.
Dried Italian Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano, definitely use them! Fresh herbs enhance the taste beautifully.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Creating a smooth and delicious sauce is essential for this dish. After cooking the chicken, make sure to deglaze the pan with chicken broth. This means scraping up all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom, adding flavor to your sauce.
- Cook garlic in butter until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it bubble, absorbing all that flavor from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese gradually, allowing it to melt and blend into a creamy texture.
Lastly, simmering for a few minutes will help thicken your sauce just right. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Creamy Herb Chicken with Garlic and Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy herb chicken recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick yet delicious meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple step enhances the flavor of the chicken beautifully!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant and has softened. Just be careful not to let it brown too much!
4. Making the Sauce:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This will add great flavor to your sauce. Then, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combining Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over them. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the chicken absorb some of those delicious flavors.
6. Serving:
Once everything is well combined and heated through, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your creamy herb chicken hot with your favorite sides for a delightful meal!
This creamy herb chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner. Enjoy your deliciously creamy, garlicky, Parmesan herb chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely first. The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw chicken in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream like coconut cream or almond milk. Keep in mind, using different options may slightly alter the flavor and consistency of the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftover Creamy Herb Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve. When you reheat, cook them together for a few minutes to meld the flavors again!
