If you have been searching for a dish that combines simplicity with a rich and comforting flavor, this Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, herb-infused cream sauce create a harmony of flavors that feels both indulgent and homey. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare yet impressively delicious. The combination of fresh poultry herbs, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked chicken makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and each one plays a crucial role in building the flavor and texture of the dish. From basic pantry staples to fresh herbs, every item adds depth or richness that elevates this Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe to something truly irresistible.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cutting these into thinner cutlets ensures quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors throughout the dish.
- All-purpose flour, for dredging: Helps create a lovely crust on the chicken while thickening the creamy sauce slightly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a mild fruitiness and is ideal for a golden sear on the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the pan and deepens flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and mild heat that brightens the sauce.
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth: The wine adds a slight acidity and depth; broth is a great non-alcoholic alternative for savory richness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh poultry herb mix (sage, thyme, rosemary): Fresh herbs impart aromatic earthiness that makes this recipe stand out.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the signature silky and luxurious texture of the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): A pop of vibrant green and freshness to finish.
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by carefully cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. This step is important because thinner cutlets cook faster and more evenly, resulting in juicy, tender meat every time. Season each piece generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then dredge them in all-purpose flour. The flour coating not only helps to create a beautiful golden crust but also plays a vital role in thickening the sauce later on. Make sure to shake off any excess flour so the chicken sears properly in the pan instead of steaming.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the floured chicken cutlets carefully, ensuring not to crowd the pan. Cook each side until it turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. This searing locks in the flavors and juices, creating an irresistible crust. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set aside while you prepare the sauce, which will soak up all the pan flavors.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce Base
To the same skillet, add your dry white wine or chicken broth along with the Dijon mustard. Stir vigorously, scraping up all those browned bits left behind by the chicken — this is flavor gold. Let the liquid bubble and reduce for several minutes until it thickens slightly and intensifies in taste. This step is essential as it transforms simple ingredients into a base for the creamy sauce, layering in tanginess and savoriness.
Step 4: Add Cream and Fresh Herbs
Next, stir in the heavy cream and the fresh herb mix containing sage, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs are classic companions to poultry and inject the sauce with earthy fragrance and complexity. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them gently in the sauce. Let everything simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking and the chicken is fully cooked through. Be sure to keep the heat low to avoid curdling and maintain that luscious texture.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Before serving, taste your creation and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright touch of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness beautifully. At this stage, your Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe is ready to wow anyone lucky enough to dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
While the parsley garnish is classic and lovely, feel free to experiment with adding a twist. A few lemon zest shavings can brighten the plate even more, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds unexpected texture and a nutty note that complements the creaminess. These small finishing touches elevate your dish and show off a personal touch.
Side Dishes
This dish shines with simple, comforting sides that soak up the creamy sauce perfectly. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even a creamy risotto. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or baby carrots provide necessary freshness and a pop of color, creating a harmonious balance on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve the chicken cutlets over a bed of herb-infused polenta or cauliflower puree, allowing the sauce to cascade beautifully around the edges. Individual shallow bowls accentuate the sauce, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dash of smoked paprika can add a gourmet flair. Presentation can make all the difference when sharing this favorite with guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe (and you might, if you’re lucky), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The chicken soaks beautifully in the sauce overnight, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible. Place chicken pieces and sauce in airtight containers or freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. This method helps preserve texture and flavor better than freezing them together.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Avoid microwaving on high, which can cause the sauce to curdle. Reheating slowly ensures you get that perfect, silky sauciness back.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to be a bit more forgiving due to their higher fat content, resulting in juicy and flavorful bites. Adjust cooking time slightly, and enjoy the rich variation.
What if I don’t have white wine on hand?
No worries at all. You can substitute chicken broth in equal measure without losing the savory depth. The wine adds brightness, but broth keeps the dish cozy and tasty.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with a suitable non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and swap butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter. The flavor profile will change a bit, but it will still be delicious!
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let the sauce simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce more. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of flour with water to create a slurry and stir it in towards the end of cooking.
Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs bring a brightness that dried ones can’t quite match, but if dried herbs are what you have, use about one-third of the amount. Add them early in the cooking process to allow their flavors to bloom.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully satisfying about a Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe that combines ease, elegance, and incredible flavor. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe and experience how just a few simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that feels both comforting and special. Whether it becomes part of your weeknight rotation or reserved for a special meal, it’s guaranteed to win hearts around the table.
Print
Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Herb Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a luscious, herb-infused cream sauce. With simple pantry ingredients like garlic powder, Dijon mustard, white wine, and fresh herbs, this dish comes together quickly for an elegant and comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
Cooking Fat and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh poultry herb mix (sage, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season each cutlet evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge them in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light coating.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken cutlets and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Deglaze and Flavor Sauce: Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the same skillet along with the Dijon mustard. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer, allowing it to bubble and reduce significantly, which concentrates the flavors.
- Make Cream Herb Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and freshly chopped poultry herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary). Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet and let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked through. Adjust the heat as necessary to keep a gentle simmer without burning.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the sauce and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Optionally, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the creamy herb chicken immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use dry white wine for a richer flavor, or substitute with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- The poultry herb mix can be adjusted based on availability or preference; dried herbs may be substituted but use less quantity.
- Serve this dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, keeping in mind the sauce will be less thick.
