This creamy herb chicken is a winner for dinner! Tender chicken cooked in a rich, herby sauce makes a comforting meal everyone will love.
It’s super quick to make—just sauté, add the sauce, and let it simmer! Perfect for those busy nights when you want something tasty without the fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for a quick meal. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too! They stay juicy and flavorful.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk, if you’re dairy-free. Just know it might change the flavor a bit!
Herbs: Dried herbs bring great flavor. If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to use them! You might want to double the amount since fresh herbs are less potent than dried.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds extra flavor to the sauce. Pecorino Romano is a nice substitute if you want something sharper. Nutritional yeast can work too for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
Keeping chicken moist is key for a delicious dish. Here’s how you do it:
- Cook on medium-high heat for a nice sear—this helps lock in the juices.
- Avoid crowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. This allows even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This keeps the juices from running out.
Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe for Easy Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy herb chicken will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Simple and quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet delicious enough to impress your family or guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it’s essential for great flavor!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. After cooking, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
4. Making the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds tons of flavor to your sauce!
5. Turning Up the Creaminess:
Add the heavy cream along with the dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, and oregano. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
6. Thickening the Sauce:
Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. The sauce will become rich and creamy!
7. Bringing it All Together:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and let those flavors meld together beautifully.
8. Serving Your Dish:
Before serving, you can garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Pair your creamy herb chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a delicious meal!
FAQ for Creamy Herb Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great for this recipe and will add even more flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through than breasts.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
If you want to make this creamy herb chicken dairy-free, try using coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You’ll still get a deliciously creamy sauce!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Herb Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it over pasta for a comforting meal. Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up that creamy sauce!
