Looking for a dinner recipe that’s quick, hearty, and irresistibly creamy? This Creamy Herb Chicken Skillet has you covered. Featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with a hint of herbs, this dish is perfect for family meals, date nights, or even meal prepping for the week.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this delicious recipe, offer tips for customizing it, and share pairing suggestions to make it a complete meal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this dish is simple to prepare and delivers maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This one-skillet recipe minimizes clean-up and delivers big on flavor with just a few steps.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy sauce and tender chicken are a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or herbs to make it your own.
- Elegant Yet Simple: Perfect for entertaining guests or serving at a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create a comforting and indulgent dish:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe: Creamy Herb Chicken Skillet
1. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper, then place them skin-side down in the skillet.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, and rosemary. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Combine and Simmer
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some sauce over the top.
- Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
4. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the chicken warm with the creamy sauce drizzled over the top.
Tips for the Best Creamy Herb Chicken
- Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on thighs add more flavor and stay juicier during cooking.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and stir it into the sauce.
- Customize the Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or sage can be used in place of dried herbs for a different flavor profile.
- Add Vegetables: Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes can be sautéed with the garlic for extra texture and flavor.
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Herb Chicken
Complete your meal with these side dishes:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes are the perfect vehicle for the rich sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy balance.
- Crusty Bread: Use bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
- Rice or Quinoa: These grains pair well with the creamy and savory flavors of the dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
This dish is low in carbs, making it ideal for those following keto or low-carb diets.
Storing and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to prevent the sauce from separating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but adjust the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
3. How do I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Conclusion
This Creamy Herb Chicken Skillet is the ultimate comfort food. With its tender chicken, rich sauce, and aromatic herbs, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a winner.
So why wait? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—they’ll love it as much as you do!