Description
Enjoy a comforting and creamy smothered chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich sauce made with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-prepare recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.
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 for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken; it should be no longer pink and the juices should run clear.
- 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 great flavor to the 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 and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
- Next, lower the heat 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 it to thicken slightly.
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If you want to add some greens, toss in the fresh spinach at this point and let it wilt in the sauce.
- 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.
- Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Once everything is ready, 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 freshness.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple green salad. Enjoy your creamy smothered chicken!
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while it simmers.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes