Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich, flavorful creamy sauce. Enhanced with aromatic herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal that will quickly become a household favorite. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and the creamy goodness that makes this dish truly irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you prepare the creamy sauce.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet; this adds flavor to your sauce.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
- Next, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the cream is fully incorporated into the broth.
- Add the dried thyme and rosemary to the sauce, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- If you’re using spinach, add it to the sauce now and stir until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure it’s well-coated.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes on low heat. This allows the chicken to absorb some of the flavors from the sauce.
- While the chicken is simmering, you can prepare your side dishes. This creamy smothered chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling, it’s time to serve! Plate the chicken breasts and generously spoon the creamy sauce over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of this dish!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
- If you want to add some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Feel free to customize the sauce by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes