Creamy Chicken Delight
🍗 Creamy Chicken Delight
A Comforting, One-Pan Classic
Tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy garlic herb sauce—this dish is perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
✅ Ingredients (Serves 4)
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
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1 small onion, finely diced
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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1/2 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: 1 tbsp flour (for thicker sauce)
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Optional: Chopped parsley or fresh basil for garnish
🍳 Instructions
1. Prep and Season the Chicken
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Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Optional: Lightly coat in flour for extra sear and thicker sauce later.
2. Sear the Chicken
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove and set aside on a plate. Keep warm.
3. Sauté Aromatics
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In the same skillet, lower heat to medium.
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Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes.
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Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Deglaze and Build the Sauce
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Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
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Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add Cream & Cheese
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Lower heat and stir in cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and basil.
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Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
🔥 Optional: Add a slurry of 1 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp cold water if you want a thicker sauce.
6. Return Chicken to Pan
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Add chicken back to skillet, spoon sauce over top.
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Simmer 2–3 more minutes until heated through and fully coated.
7. Finish and Serve
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
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Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with roasted veggies.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
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Starch: Mashed potatoes, white rice, buttered noodles, or polenta
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Vegetables: Steamed green beans, broccoli, roasted carrots, or spinach
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Bread: Garlic bread, dinner rolls, or crusty baguette
❓ Creamy Chicken Delight Q&A
❓Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy. Cook about 4–5 minutes per side.
❓How do I make the sauce thicker?
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Use a flour coating on the chicken before searing.
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Add a flour slurry (1 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp cold water) or cornstarch slurry.
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Simmer a few extra minutes uncovered to reduce the sauce naturally.
❓Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes:
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Use full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened oat cream instead of heavy cream.
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Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan or skip it.
❓Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
❓Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Delight?
Technically yes, but creamy sauces may separate when frozen. If freezing:
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Let cool completely
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Freeze up to 2 months
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Thaw in the fridge and reheat slowly, stirring constantly
❓Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Stir in any of the following during the sauce step:
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Spinach or kale (last 2 minutes)
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Sautéed mushrooms
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Sun-dried tomatoes
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Frozen peas or steamed broccoli
❓What other cheese can I use?
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Mozzarella for gooey texture
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Cream cheese for ultra-rich sauce
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Cheddar for bolder flavor
❓What’s a lighter version?
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Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of cream
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Skip butter or reduce the cheese
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Use cooking spray instead of oil to sear chicken
❓What herbs work best?
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Dried thyme, basil, and parsley are most common
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Add fresh rosemary or tarragon for a gourmet twist
🔁 Quick Flavor Variations
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a touch of white wine
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Mushroom Cream Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms in with the onions
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Spicy Cajun Cream Chicken: Season chicken with Cajun spice, add chili flakes to the sauce.
