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This Creamy Herb Chicken is a one-pan wonder that transforms everyday chicken breast into something truly comforting. It comes together fast in a silky sauce that clings to every bite and pairs effortlessly with potatoes or your favorite vegetable side for a cozy meal any night of the week.
My whole family asks for this on busy evenings when we need something both satisfying and soothing. I first discovered this approach as a new mom and it quickly became part of our regular rotation meals everyone cheers for.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: fresh and boneless is best for juicy texture look for pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly
- Salt and black pepper: highlight the chicken and balance the creamy sauce
- Italian seasoning: brings a mix of herbs for instant flavor I prefer a blend that includes basil and oregano
- All purpose flour: for dredging helps the chicken brown and thickens the sauce later go for unbleached for best taste
- Olive oil: a quality olive oil adds subtle fruitiness to the sear
- Chicken broth: use low sodium if you want to control salt
- Cream of chicken soup: gives body and creaminess look for one without too many additives
- Sour cream: for tangy depth choose full fat for richness
- Milk: loosens the sauce whole or two percent work well
- Lemon juice: wakes up the flavors always use fresh if possible
- Onion powder and garlic powder: keep things savory
- Basil and oregano: dried work just fine organic if you can
- Mustard powder and dried parsley: these accent the herbs and round out the flavors
- Fresh parsley for garnish: adds color and freshness always choose bright green bunches
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Combine the chicken broth and seasonings in a measuring cup. Set aside. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make two or three thinner cutlets. Place the pieces between plastic wrap and pound to about half an inch thickness. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Season and Dredge:
- Sprinkle both sides of each piece with salt pepper and Italian seasoning. Add flour to a plate and lightly coat each chicken piece on all sides tapping off any extra.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high until just shimmering. Cook the chicken cutlets in one even layer without crowding. Sear four to five minutes per side until each piece develops a deep golden crust. Transfer chicken to a plate and repeat with remaining pieces if needed.
- Start the Sauce:
- Turn the heat to low. Pour in the prepared chicken broth and seasoning mixture. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom this is pure flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce to medium low.
- Make it Creamy:
- Whisk in the cream of chicken soup until smooth. Next gradually add the sour cream stirring well so it does not curdle. Pour in the milk followed by the lemon juice whisking until everything is fully incorporated and velvety.
- Finish and Serve:
- Nestle the seared chicken cutlets back into the skillet spooning sauce over the top. Let everything simmer gently for about five minutes so the chicken heats through and the sauce thickens a bit more. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving if you like.
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Fresh parsley is always my favorite herb to finish the dish. It grabs the eye and somehow makes every bite taste fresh. My daughter once asked for extra parsley as her entire side dish with this meal and it has been our little tradition ever since.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage freeze portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in a covered dish in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees until warmed through. If you notice the sauce has thickened too much just add a splash of milk while reheating to loosen it up.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have cream of chicken soup you can use an equal amount of homemade or substitute with cream of mushroom for a slightly earthier flavor. Heavy cream can replace the sour cream and milk just let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. For a different flavor use fresh herbs whenever possible the sauce loves a handful of chopped dill or basil stirred in. If you are out of chicken breast chicken thighs work too just adjust the cooking time since they may take a little longer.
Serving Suggestions
This dish loves to be paired with mashed or baked potatoes as the sauce acts like a gravy. For a lighter side serve with roasted green beans or steamed asparagus the herbs in the sauce play off green veggies nicely. You can even tuck slices into a warm sandwich roll and drizzle with extra sauce if you ever crave a hearty lunch.
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A Brief Note on History
Creamy herb chicken is a classic American skillet supper rooted in the tradition of making comfort food from simple ingredients. Cream soups have long been used by home cooks as a shortcut for sauce and combining them with fresh herbs and citrus brings old fashioned flavors into a modern kitchen. I imagine many families have their own sautéed chicken recipes but this version has become special to ours for its balance of creamy richness and bright fresh finish.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you achieve moist, flavorful chicken?
Slice the chicken breasts evenly and pound them to a uniform thickness before seasoning and dredging with flour. Searing each side until golden locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust.
- → Can I substitute sour cream in the sauce?
Yes. You can use 1 cup of heavy cream as an alternative to sour cream and milk. Let the sauce gently simmer and reduce for a thicker consistency if needed.
- → Which herbs work best in the creamy sauce?
A blend of basil, oregano, parsley, Italian seasoning, along with optional rosemary or thyme, complements the creaminess and elevates the flavors.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Thaw in the fridge if frozen, then reheat in a covered casserole dish at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through. This prevents the chicken from drying out.
- → Can I add bacon for extra flavor?
Absolutely. Cook thick-cut bacon, use the drippings to sear the chicken, and sprinkle chopped bacon over the finished dish for smoky richness.