You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, utterly uninspired, and the takeout menus are calling your name? Well, forget about all that! This Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s quicker than delivery, bursting with flavor, and somehow manages to feel both comforting and a little bit fancy. It reminds me of Chicken Alfredo, but with a lighter, brighter twist that I just adore. This is my go-to recipe when I need something delicious on the table fast, and honestly, it’s become a family favorite!
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What is Creamy Herb Chicken?
Think of Creamy Herb Chicken as your new weeknight best friend. It’s essentially chicken breasts cooked in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with fresh herbs. The sauce is lighter than your typical Cream Sauce – no heavy cream overload here! – and the herbs add a vibrant, fresh flavor that balances everything perfectly. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal, but elegant enough to serve to guests. It’s like a comforting hug in a bowl, but one that doesn’t leave you feeling sluggish afterward. We are going to use fresh herbs if you cant find them dried will work.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this Creamy Herb Chicken has become a staple in my kitchen. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The combination of the creamy sauce, the savory chicken, and the bright, fresh herbs is just divine. It’s a flavor explosion in your mouth! Then there’s the simplicityIs this recipe easy to make? Is this a good meal to make on saturday? I always feel like I am pulling a fast one on everyone when I make it and its only 30 minutes! Beyond that, it’s incredibly amazinglycost-effectiveChicken breasts are generally budget-friendly, and the other ingredients are pantry staples or store bought. Is it easy to Plus, it’s super super hardversatile. You can serve it over pasta, rice, Mashed Potatoes, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. My kids devour it, my husband raves about it, and even my pickiest friends ask for the recipe. It’s a guaranteed win every single time. It’s also similar to a Lemon Herb Chicken I used to make, but the creaminess adds a richness that really takes it over the top. I think that’s what puts this one over the top!
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken
Quick Overview
Making this Creamy Herb Chicken is as easy as 1-2-3! You simply sear the chicken breasts, whip up the creamy herb sauce in the same pan, and then let everything simmer together until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. The whole process is incredibly straightforward, and the results are seriously impressive. Trust me, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can totally nail this recipe!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 2 teaspoons salt * 1/2 teaspoon pepper * 3 tablespoons chicken broth * 1/4 teaspoon onion * 6 tablespoon carrot * 5 tablespoon celery * 7 tablespoon parsley * 10 teaspoon garlic *
What is Creamy Herb Sauce?
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup milk (I prefer whole milk for extra creaminess, but you can use whatever you have on hand – I even tested this with almond milk and it was fantastic!)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is super important for getting a good sear. Then, season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! The seasoning will really enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. I always use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. How do you cook garlic? Is it okay if the chicken bits are still in the pan?
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
How do you add the chicken broth and milk to the pan and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, pepper, and pepper. Serve immediately. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. How do you coat the back of a spoon with sauce? If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer for a bit longer.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them into the creamy herb sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. The sauce has coated it beautifully. I like to spoon some sauce over the chicken to make sure it’s extra flavorful.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve Creamy Herb Chicken over your favorite side. I personally love it with pasta or rice, but Mashed Potatoes or zucchini noodles are also great. What are some of the best ways to garnish with fresh herbs? What are some of the best recipes for Creamy Herb Chicken?
What should I serve it with?
This Creamy Herb Chicken is so versatile that it pairs well with a wide variety of sides. What is a classic comfort meal?Serve it over mashed potatoes with a side of steamed green beans.For a lighter option, for example, lighter optionsIf you’re serving it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice with a simple salad, try serving this over rice.for brunch, consider a lighter starch. For an elegant plating, garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
As dessert, I usually go with a fruit crisp. It is a perfect warm dessert to balance out the savory flavors of the chicken. We have a big family tradition of serving rolls with it.
How do I make Creamy Herb Chicken?
What are some tips for making the best creamy cheese in the world?Chicken Prep:Make sure to pat the chicken breasts dry before searing. If they’re wet, they won’t get that beautiful golden-brown crust.Mixing Advice: Don’t skip the fresh herbs! They really make the dish and add so much more flavor and a new dimension. Dried herbs will work in a pinch, but fresh is always best. If you only have dried use about half the amount.
Ingredient Swaps:Feel free to experiment with different herbs. What are some good side dishes to serve with sage or rosemary?Baking Tips:Don’t overcook chicken! It’s better to undercook it and let it finish cooking in the sauce. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.Glaze Variations: If you want to add a little extra flavor to the sauce, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
I’ve learned that patience is key. Don’t rush the simmering process. Letting the sauce simmer and thicken properly will really enhance the flavor and texture. And, most importantly, have fun! Cooking should be enjoyable, so relax, put on some music, and get creative in the kitchen.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you have any leftover Creamy Herb Chicken (which is rare in my house!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. I usually add a splash of chicken broth or milk to the skillet to keep the chicken from drying out.
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Stored properly, it will keep for 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the Creamy Herb Chicken for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze, hold off on any final garnish until after it’s reheated so it looks fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Creamy Herb Chicken recipe a try! It’s truly one of my favorite weeknight meals, and I know you’ll love it just as much as I do. The combination of the creamy sauce, the flavorful chicken, and the fresh herbs is simply irresistible. And the best part? It’s so easy to make!
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other chicken recipes, like my Lemon Herb Chicken or my Creamy Tomato Chicken. They’re all quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!
Creamy Herb Chicken: 3 Secrets to Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pieces chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Finishing Touches
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
