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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup spinach, chopped - Fresh parsley for garnish When making creamy garlic herb chicken, the right ingredients make all the difference. Start with four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This cut is juicy and tender. Season them with salt, pepper, onion powder, and dried herbs like thyme and rosemary. This mix adds a great flavor to the chicken. For the sauce, you'll need olive oil, minced garlic, heavy cream, and chicken broth. The garlic gives a bold taste, while the cream and broth create a rich texture. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which melts into the sauce, making it creamy. Finally, stir in chopped spinach for color and freshness. Don't forget the fresh parsley! It adds a pop of green and a nice finish to the dish. Gather these ingredients to make a flavorful and simple meal that impresses every time. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. This mix adds great flavor. 2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer. Next, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear each side for 5 to 6 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) internally. Once done, take the chicken out and place it on a plate. 1. In the same skillet, lower the heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Keep stirring so the garlic doesn't burn. 2. Pour in chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the skillet. This action lifts the tasty bits stuck to the pan. 3. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it come to a gentle simmer. 4. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Keep stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens. You want it creamy and smooth. 1. Add chopped spinach to the sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it wilts and its color brightens. 2. Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 1 more minute to heat everything through. 3. Taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. 4. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your creamy garlic herb chicken! Ensuring chicken reaches the right temperature Always check the internal temperature of the chicken. Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe. This helps avoid undercooked meat and keeps your meal safe and tasty. Preventing garlic from burning Garlic can turn bitter if burned. Sauté it for just one minute over medium heat. Stir it often to keep it from sticking to the pan. If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat. Recommended side dishes Pair your creamy garlic herb chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread also works great for soaking up the sauce. A light salad can add freshness to your meal. Presentation tips for the dish Serve the chicken on warm plates. Spoon the creamy sauce generously over each breast. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This makes the dish look inviting and delicious. Dairy-free alternatives for cream You can use coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free option. These alternatives still give a creamy texture without dairy. They add a unique flavor twist as well. Possible herbs and spices swaps Feel free to try different herbs. Basil or oregano can add a fresh taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Adjust the spices to suit your taste. Pro Tips Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good sear locks in moisture and enhances flavor. Deglaze for Flavor: When deglazing the pan, ensure to scrape up all the brown bits as they are packed with flavor, adding depth to your sauce. Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor profile in your dish. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a bit more chicken broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency. {{image_4}} You can easily enhance the creamy garlic herb chicken with tasty extras. Adding mushrooms brings a rich, earthy flavor. Just slice about one cup of fresh mushrooms and sauté them with the garlic until soft. This step adds depth to your sauce. Another great addition is sun-dried tomatoes. Chop a half cup and stir them in with the cream. Their tangy sweetness brightens up the dish. If you want variety, try swapping the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly, so sauté them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Tofu needs a bit more time to get crispy. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until golden. Adjust the cooking time based on your choice of protein. Always ensure seafood is cooked to 145°F (63°C) and tofu is heated through. Making a vegan version is simple and delicious. Use plant-based cream like coconut or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. This switch keeps the dish creamy while being dairy-free. For the protein, replace chicken with chickpeas or seitan. Chickpeas add a nice texture, while seitan offers a meat-like bite. This way, you get a tasty meal that fits a plant-based diet. To store leftover creamy garlic herb chicken, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals well to keep the moisture in. This chicken stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. For freezing, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then place the wrap in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This dish freezes well for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes. Enjoy your creamy chicken! It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. You can have this dish ready in 40 minutes. This includes seasoning the chicken, cooking it, and making the creamy sauce. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great ideas: - Roasted seasonal vegetables - Garlic bread - Mashed potatoes - Rice pilaf - A fresh green salad For drinks, try a light white wine or sparkling water. This article covered how to make creamy garlic herb chicken, from ingredients to storage tips. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and variations to enhance the dish. Remember, cooking is fun and allows you to be creative. Use the tips and tricks for the best results. Enjoy your meal and share it with friends. They will love it! Try out these ideas and make the dish your own.

Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Delight

A delicious and creamy chicken dish infused with garlic and herbs, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to enhance the flavor.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked thoroughly (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant—be mindful not to let it burn.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the skillet and deglaze it, releasing any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Lower the heat further and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer.
  • Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until it melts completely and the sauce begins to thicken slightly, creating a creamy consistency.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach, letting it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it wilts and brightens in color.
  • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the luscious creamy sauce over them. Allow to simmer for another minute to heat the chicken through and absorb the flavors.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.
  • Before plating, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley to add a touch of color.

Notes

Serve with roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, garlic, herb