Creamy Herb Chicken: A 30-Minute Skillet Dinner

Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredible Creamy Herb Chicken recipe. This dish delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, all in a single skillet. Imagine perfectly seared, juicy chicken breasts swimming in a luscious, savory sauce, packed with a fragrant blend of fresh herbs. It’s the kind of comforting, elegant meal that feels special enough for a date night but is easy enough for a busy Tuesday. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Why This Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try

In a world of complicated recipes, this one-pan Creamy Herb Chicken stands out for its simplicity and depth of flavor. It solves the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma with style and speed. We’re not just making chicken; we’re creating an experience. The sauce is velvety, the chicken is tender, and the aroma is absolutely divine. Plus, clean-up is a breeze!

• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in less than 30 minutes, this is the ultimate weeknight hero.
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots.
• Incredibly Flavorful: A strategic blend of herbs, garlic, and cream creates a sauce that’s rich, complex, and utterly addictive.
• Versatile Pairing: It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even some crusty bread for dipping. For a similar vibe, you might also love this Boursin Chicken Recipe.

The Perfect Herb Combination for Chicken

The magic of this dish lies in its herb blend. While many herbs pair well with chicken, the combination of parsley, thyme, and rosemary creates a classic, savory profile that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.

• Parsley: Brings a fresh, clean, and slightly peppery flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy, and slightly minty note that is a classic pairing for poultry.
• Rosemary: Provides a piney, aromatic punch that adds incredible depth. Use a light hand, as it can be powerful!

Feel free to experiment with other herbs like chives or a pinch of sage, but this classic trio is a guaranteed winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its spectacular flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Olive Oil & Butter: A combination for the perfect sear and rich flavor base.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a non-negotiable for the best aroma and taste.
• White Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to deglaze the pan and add acidity. You can substitute with additional chicken broth if you prefer.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the savory base of our sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The key to that ultra-creamy, luxurious texture.
• Fresh Herbs: A mix of finely chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
• Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tiny kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Herb Chicken

Follow these simple steps to create a flawless dish every time. Remember to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, as this recipe comes together quickly!

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
3. Build the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor! Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half.
5. Create the Cream Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and fresh herbs. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you enjoy rich, savory sauces, our Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta is another fantastic choice.
6. Combine and Serve: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Sauce

A perfect cream sauce is smooth, rich, and never broken. Here are a few expert tips to ensure your sauce is flawless.

• Use Room Temperature Cream: Adding cold cream to a hot pan can sometimes cause it to curdle or separate. Let your heavy cream sit out for 15-20 minutes before using it.
• Don’t Boil the Sauce: After adding the cream, maintain a gentle simmer. A rolling boil can break the sauce.
• Scrape the Pan Bottom: The “fond” – those browned bits left after searing the chicken – is pure flavor. Don’t skip scraping them up when you deglaze!

What to Serve with Creamy Herb Chicken

This versatile Creamy Herb Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that can soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

• Pasta: Serve over a bed of fettuccine, linguine, or penne. For a truly decadent meal, check out this Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese.
• Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even gnocchi are excellent choices.
• Rice: Simple steamed white or brown rice provides a perfect neutral base.
• Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or sautéed green beans add a fresh, healthy component.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This dish makes for fantastic leftovers. Store any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

a

What herbs are best for creamy chicken?

A classic combination of fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary works beautifully. Parsley adds freshness, thyme provides an earthy note, and rosemary gives a wonderful aromatic depth to the creamy sauce.

a

How do I keep my cream sauce from curdling?

To prevent curdling, use heavy cream as it has a higher fat content and is more stable. Also, make sure the cream is not ice-cold when you add it to the hot pan, and avoid boiling the sauce—a gentle simmer is all you need.

a

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a similarly rich texture, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, but the sauce may be slightly thinner. A cream cheese or Boursin cheese base can also create a creamy sauce, though the flavor profile will change.

a

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute. They may take a few minutes longer to cook through, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

a

How long does creamy herb chicken last in the fridge?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat for the best results.

Save This Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe!

This Creamy Herb Chicken recipe is a true game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their home cooking without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s proof that a simple, elegant, and deeply satisfying meal is always within reach. If you loved this recipe, please leave a comment below or share it with your friends on Pinterest!

Creamy Herb Chicken

FL Recipes

Creamy Herb Chicken: A 30-Minute Skillet Dinner

This Creamy Herb Chicken recipe is the ultimate 30-minute meal. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared and finished in a luscious, savory sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, and heavy cream for an easy weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 oz each, pounded to an even thickness
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter divided
• 4 cloves garlic finely minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• 1 Large Skillet
• 1 Tongs
• 1 Cutting Board

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the wine has reduced by half.
5. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalProtein: 35gFat: 42gFiber: 1g

Notes

Tip 1: For the best sear, make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken and don't move the chicken around while it's cooking.
Tip 2: Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent the sauce from curdling.
Tip 3: Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts; adjust cooking time as needed.

Keyword creamy herb chicken,easy chicken recipe,one pan chicken

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