Description
Creamy Chicken Everyone Is Obsessed With is my secret weapon for busy nights. This rich, comforting dish comes together easily, bringing smiles every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Players:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced or pounded thin)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Flavor Boosters & Seasonings:
- 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
- 4–5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Finishing Touch:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- Optional Extras:
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken & Sear:: Grab those chicken breasts, pat them super dry with paper towels (this is critical for a good sear, hon!), and then slice them in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets, or just pound them thin. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of that smoked paprika. Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of butter. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer – don’t overcrowd the pan, or it won’t brown properly! I always make this mistake, trying to rush it. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside; don’t clean the pan just yet, those browned bits are flavor gold!
- Sauté Aromatics:: Reduce the heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Toss in your diced onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes. You want them translucent, not browned. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant. Watch it closely; burnt garlic is a sad, bitter mess, and I’ve definitely learned that the hard way! The smell at this stage is just heavenly, a promise of the delicious Creamy Chicken Everyone Is Obsessed With to come.
- Deglaze & Simmer:: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This is where the magic starts! Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, reducing slightly. This step adds so much depth to the sauce. Sometimes I’m impatient and don’t let it reduce enough, and then the sauce ends up a little thin. Learn from my oops moments!
- Create the Creamy Sauce:: Now for the star of the show! Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and the rest of the smoked paprika. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. You want it coating the back of a spoon. Don’t let it boil vigorously, or it might curdle – a lesson I once learned when I got distracted by a phone call!
- Add Parmesan & Combine:: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed – maybe a little more salt, a touch more pepper? Trust your taste buds! Now, gently nestle the cooked chicken back into the creamy sauce, turning to coat. This is where all the flavors truly marry. I love seeing the chicken pieces getting enveloped in that luscious sauce.
- Garnish and Serve:: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley right before serving. The green really pops against the creamy sauce, making it look extra inviting. I usually serve this Creamy Chicken Everyone Is Obsessed With immediately, because, honestly, who can wait? The aroma alone is enough to make everyone gather around the kitchen. It should look rich, feel comforting, and smell absolutely divine!