This creamy smothered chicken recipe is a rich and indulgent dish that’s packed with flavor. Juicy chicken breasts are simmered in a velvety sauce made with onions, garlic, thyme, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special family meal, it’s ready in just 40 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food at its best: Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 40 minutes with simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
- Family-approved: A dish that everyone at the table will love.
- Versatile: Pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Season and Dredge Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add butter and reduce the heat to medium. Sauté the onions until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme, cooking for another 1 minute.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Cheesy version: Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella into the sauce before simmering.
- Herb swap: Use fresh thyme or rosemary instead of dried thyme for a brighter flavor.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and add extra juiciness. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat on low when adding the heavy cream, and stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy texture.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for dredging the chicken.
4. What sides go well with smothered chicken?
Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides for this dish.
5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
6. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, green beans, or peas to the sauce for extra nutrition.
7. What if my sauce is too thick?
Thin it out by adding a little extra chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat them together when ready to serve.
9. Is heavy cream necessary?
Heavy cream adds richness, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
10. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but reduce the simmering time to prevent overcooking the chicken. Add it to the sauce just before serving.
Conclusion
This creamy smothered chicken recipe is comfort food at its finest, combining tender chicken with a luscious, flavorful sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s as rich in flavor as it is in comfort!
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Creamy Smothered Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy smothered chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts simmered with onions, garlic, and thyme in a rich and velvety sauce made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and butter. A comforting family favorite that’s quick and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes!
Ingredients
- Meat:
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Produce:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Canned Goods:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Baking & Spices:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Oils & Vinegars:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Dairy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute.
- Make the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir well to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the smothered chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
