This creamy herb chicken is a simple and tasty dish! It’s made with tender chicken cooked in a delicious creamy sauce filled with fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights!
You can serve it with rice or pasta for a full meal. Plus, the best part? It comes together in just one pan, so clean-up is a breeze. Who doesn’t love an easy dinner? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for a quick cook. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be a juicy alternative. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce, but you can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version. Just know the flavor and texture will change a bit.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch—about 1/2 teaspoon should do it! My personal preference is fresh for that aromatic punch.
Herbs: Fresh herbs create a vibrant flavor, but dried herbs can work too! Use about a third of the amount if going with dried. I often like to mix it up with Italian seasoning if I’m out of fresh.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely depth. If you don’t have it, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option can work!
How Do I Make the Sauce Rich and Flavorful?
Creating a rich sauce hinges on layering flavors and allowing the ingredients to marry. Here’s how to enhance that creamy sauce:
- Start with medium-high heat when sautéing the garlic. It should be fragrant but not browned!
- When adding chicken broth, scrape any bits from the pan. These add a ton of flavor to your sauce.
- Let the sauce simmer gently after adding the Dijon mustard and cream. This thickening process is key—be patient!
When you stir in the Parmesan, turn down the heat! This way, it warms through without clumping. Enjoy a sauce that’s both creamy and bursting with herby goodness!
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and around 20 minutes of cooking time, so you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil 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. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
4. Make the Sauce:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds great flavor!
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken up nicely.
6. Add Cheese and Herbs:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until it melts and smoothens. Then, mix in the freshly chopped herbs—parsley, thyme, and rosemary. If you want a bit of brightness, add the lemon juice too! Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, making sure the chicken is heated through.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your creamy herb chicken is ready! Serve it hot over rice, pasta, or alongside steamed veggies for a delightful meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through—about 7-9 minutes per side should do the trick!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the cheese, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan cheese for a similar flavor without the dairy.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! You can use dried herbs instead. For each tablespoon of fresh herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. Remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust according to your taste preference!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help revive the sauce.
