Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, velvety cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe combines flavorful seasonings and creamy goodness for a delicious meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or sautéed greens. Easy to prepare and versatile, it can be customized with vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This step ensures the chicken is flavorful throughout.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. This builds the flavor base for the sauce.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and paprika. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Smother the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the chicken is fully coated and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh finish. Serve the creamy smothered chicken hot, ideally over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or sautéed greens for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach during step 3 to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If preferred, use turkey breasts or plant-based protein as a substitute for chicken.
