Irresistible Saucy Parsley Chicken: A Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Ingredients for Chicken with Sauce and Parsley

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness: The star protein for this weeknight meal, providing lean and tender bites. Pound them thin for even cooking.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown, locking in moisture and flavor. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Forms the aromatic base of our savory sauce, adding a crucial layer of sweet, pungent flavor. Dice it finely for quick softening.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an indispensable aromatic foundation, infusing the sauce with its pungent, warming notes. Freshly mince for the best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Crucial for thickening the rich sauce, ensuring it coats the chicken beautifully for a comforting texture. Whisk it well to avoid lumps.
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth): Deglazes the pan, adding a layer of complex acidity and depth to the sauce. Choose a crisp, dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc.
• 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful foundation of our sauce, providing moisture and savory depth. Use low-sodium broth to control seasoning precisely.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into a luxurious, rich, and velvety consistency, adding irresistible indulgence. Don’t substitute with lighter milk options.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complex savory depth to the sauce, balancing the richness beautifully. Grey Poupon is a classic choice.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (or to taste): An essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors, bringing them into delicious harmony. Season gradually and taste as you go.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste): Adds a pungent warmth and subtle spice, elevating the overall flavor profile of the dish. Grind just before using for maximum aroma.
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped: The “parsley” in our Saucy Parsley Chicken, providing vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous finish. Flat-leaf parsley is preferred.
• Lemon wedges, for serving: Offers a bright, zesty finish to the dish, cutting through the richness and adding a lovely pop of freshness. Serve alongside for individual squeezing.

How to Make Chicken with Sauce and Parsley

Prep Chicken:

Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness, then season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown; remove from pan. This is your base for the Irresistible Saucy Parsley Chicken.

Sauté Aromatics:

In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent, scraping up any browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn; it adds depth.

Create Roux:

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a light roux. This step is crucial for thickening your delicious sauce for the Chicken with Sauce and Parsley.

Build Sauce:

Deglaze the pan with dry white wine or chicken broth, scraping up all flavorful bits. Stir in the remaining chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Finish Cooking:

Return the seared chicken breasts to the simmering sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Add Parsley:

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the rich, savory sauce. This vibrant addition brightens the entire Irresistible Saucy Parsley Chicken dish beautifully.

Serve Warm:

Ladle the flavorful Chicken with Sauce and Parsley onto plates, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the golden sauce. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a burst of citrus. Enjoy this comforting weeknight meal!

How to Store Chicken with Sauce and Parsley

To store leftover Chicken with Sauce and Parsley, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly within two hours of cooking. It will remain fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. Improper storage can unfortunately lead to bacterial growth and spoilage; if it smells off or looks slimy, it’s best to discard it immediately.

You can store components ahead to streamline your meal. Prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Combine and finish cooking on the day of serving for the best quality. When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce together, avoiding high heat. Don’t overheat, or the chicken will become dry, a mistake I often made.

What to Serve with Chicken with Sauce and Parsley

Serve this delightful Chicken with Sauce and Parsley warm, spooned generously over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra fresh parsley and a bright lemon wedge. This dish is perfect to pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Enjoy this comforting meal.

I personally love to serve this saucy chicken with plenty of warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredibly rich and savory sauce. Truly, no drop should go to waste!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute another liquid for dry white wine in this Irresistible Saucy Parsley Chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken broth for the dry white wine. It will still provide a rich, savory base for your sauce without the alcohol. I sometimes use it when I’m out of wine.

→ How do I prevent my Irresistible Saucy Parsley Chicken from becoming dry and tough?

The key is to avoid overcooking. Sear the chicken until golden, then finish in the simmering sauce until it reaches 165°F. Overheating during reheating also dries it out, a mistake I often made.

→ Can I make this flavorful saucy chicken recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free for a completely safe meal.

→ How long can I store leftover Chicken with Sauce and Parsley in the refrigerator?

Leftover Chicken with Sauce and Parsley stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always refrigerate promptly within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and safety.

→ Can I prepare components of this saucy chicken dish ahead of time for quick assembly?

Yes, you can! Prepare the chicken by pounding it, and make the sauce separately. Store both refrigerated for up to 2 days. Combine and finish cooking on serving day for the best quality.