
Creamy Dreamy Chicken: Delicious Chicken in Cream Sauce Recipes
Chicken in cream sauce. The very words evoke feelings of comfort, warmth, and pure culinary satisfaction. This classic dish is a staple in kitchens worldwide, and for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile, relatively easy to prepare, and delivers a flavor profile that appeals to almost everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a more elaborate dish to impress your guests, chicken in cream sauce is always a winning choice.
This article dives deep into the world of creamy chicken, exploring various recipes, techniques, and tips to help you create the perfect dish every time. From classic versions to innovative twists, we’ll cover everything you need to know to become a chicken-in-cream-sauce aficionado.
## Why Chicken in Cream Sauce is a Winner
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s explore why this dish is so beloved:
* **Comfort Food at its Finest:** The creamy texture and rich flavor are incredibly comforting, making it the perfect meal for a chilly evening or when you just need a little pick-me-up.
* **Versatile and Adaptable:** The basic recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Add different herbs, spices, vegetables, or even a splash of wine to create a unique flavor profile.
* **Relatively Easy to Make:** While it may seem fancy, chicken in cream sauce is actually quite simple to prepare. Most recipes require minimal ingredients and can be cooked in under an hour.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** It’s a dish that appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a great option for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Chicken is a relatively affordable protein, and the other ingredients are usually pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly option.
## Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Cream Sauce
While the specific ingredients may vary depending on the recipe, here are some essential components for a delicious cream sauce:
* **Chicken:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common choice, as they cook quickly and evenly. However, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
* **Cream:** Heavy cream is the key ingredient for a rich and decadent sauce. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
* **Butter:** Butter adds flavor and richness to the sauce. Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Onion and Garlic:** These aromatics form the base of the flavor profile. Sauté them in butter until softened and fragrant.
* **Flour:** Flour is used to thicken the sauce. All-purpose flour works well, but you can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option.
* **Chicken Broth:** Chicken broth adds depth of flavor and helps to thin out the sauce to the desired consistency.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Fresh or dried herbs and spices can be used to customize the flavor of the sauce. Popular choices include thyme, rosemary, parsley, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
## Recipe 1: Classic Chicken in Cream Sauce
This is a classic recipe that showcases the simplicity and deliciousness of chicken in cream sauce.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 small onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Add the butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
4. **Make the Roux:** Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
5. **Add the Liquids:** Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. **Add the Cream and Seasonings:** Stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce back to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. **Return the Chicken to the Sauce:** Add the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it if desired. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.
**Tips for the Classic Recipe:**
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Adjust the Sauce Thickness:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs will add a more vibrant flavor to the sauce. If using dried herbs, use about half the amount called for in the recipe.
## Recipe 2: Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This recipe adds a layer of earthy flavor with the addition of mushrooms.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
* 1 small onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté the Mushrooms:** Add the butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and browned. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
5. **Make the Roux:** Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly browned.
6. **Add the Liquids:** Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. **Add the Cream, Mushrooms, and Seasonings:** Stir in the heavy cream, sautéed mushrooms, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce back to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. **Return the Chicken to the Sauce:** Add the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
9. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it if desired. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.
**Tips for the Mushroom Recipe:**
* **Use a Variety of Mushrooms:** Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms, for a more complex flavor.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When sautéing the mushrooms, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will cause the mushrooms to steam instead of brown.
* **Add a Splash of Wine:** For an even richer flavor, add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce after sautéing the mushrooms. Let the wine reduce for a minute or two before adding the chicken broth.
## Recipe 3: Chicken in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
This recipe is a cheesy and garlicky delight that’s sure to please.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté the Garlic:** Add the butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. **Add the Liquids and Cheese:** Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the cheese is melted.
5. **Return the Chicken to the Sauce:** Add the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it if desired. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with pasta, rice, or your favorite side dish.
**Tips for the Garlic Parmesan Recipe:**
* **Use Freshly Grated Parmesan:** Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt more smoothly and have a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Sauté it over low heat until fragrant.
* **Add a Squeeze of Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of lemon juice at the end will brighten the flavor of the sauce.
## Recipe 4: Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
This recipe adds a burst of Mediterranean flavor with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. **Add the Liquids, Cheese, and Seasonings:** Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the cheese is melted.
5. **Return the Chicken to the Sauce:** Add the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it if desired. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh basil. Serve with pasta, rice, or your favorite side dish.
**Tips for the Sun-Dried Tomato Recipe:**
* **Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes have a richer flavor than dried sun-dried tomatoes. Make sure to drain them well before chopping.
* **Add a Pinch of Sugar:** A pinch of sugar will help to balance the acidity of the sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Substitute Pesto:** For an even more intense flavor, add a tablespoon or two of pesto to the sauce.
## Recipe 5: Chicken in Creamy Spinach Artichoke Sauce
This recipe combines the classic flavors of spinach artichoke dip with creamy chicken.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1/2 cup chopped frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts, canned or jarred, drained
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sauté the Garlic, Spinach, and Artichoke Hearts:** Add the butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the garlic, spinach, and artichoke hearts and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the garlic is fragrant.
4. **Add the Liquids, Cheeses, and Seasonings:** Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the cheeses are melted.
5. **Return the Chicken to the Sauce:** Add the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it if desired. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with pasta, rice, or your favorite side dish.
**Tips for the Spinach Artichoke Recipe:**
* **Squeeze the Spinach Dry:** It’s important to squeeze the thawed spinach dry to remove any excess moisture. This will prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
* **Use Cream Cheese for Extra Creaminess:** The cream cheese adds a touch of richness and tanginess to the sauce.
* **Add a Pinch of Nutmeg:** A pinch of nutmeg will complement the flavors of the spinach and artichoke.
## Serving Suggestions
Chicken in cream sauce is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some popular options:
* **Pasta:** Serve over your favorite type of pasta, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or wild rice are all great choices.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy touch.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
## Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken in Cream Sauce
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use fresh herbs, good-quality chicken, and heavy cream for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Adjust the Sauce Thickness:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Season to Taste:** Taste the sauce frequently and adjust the seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor profile.
* **Let the Sauce Simmer:** Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Don’t rush this step!
* **Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet:** A heavy-bottomed skillet will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the sauce from scorching.
## Variations and Creative Twists
The beauty of chicken in cream sauce is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for creative twists:
* **Add Wine:** Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry to the sauce for a more complex flavor.
* **Use Different Herbs and Spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, sage, or smoked paprika.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or peas.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Types of Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or goat cheese.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
* **Add Bacon or Pancetta:** Crispy bacon or pancetta adds a smoky and savory flavor.
## Storage and Reheating
Chicken in cream sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin out the sauce.
## Conclusion
Chicken in cream sauce is a timeless classic that’s sure to please. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and endless possibilities for customization, it’s a dish that you’ll find yourself making again and again. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes and tips will help you create the perfect chicken in cream sauce every time. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the creamy, dreamy deliciousness of this beloved dish. Enjoy!