Creamy Zesty Herbed Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Creamy Zesty Herbed Chicken, a dish that combines tender, pan-seared chicken breasts with a velvety lemon-infused cream sauce brimming with fresh herbs. This recipe is a harmonious blend of tangy lemon zest, aromatic garlic, and fragrant Italian seasoning, all simmered to perfection alongside fresh parsley and thyme. The quick prep time of just 10 minutes, paired with a 30-minute cook time, makes this creamy chicken dish a perfect choice for busy evenings without compromising on flavor. Serve it over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a luxurious finishing touch! Ideal for dinner parties or cozy family meals, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1.5 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Use a meat mallet to lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking (about 1/2 inch thick). Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Lower the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Allow the broth to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine all the flavors.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are coated in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley and thyme over the chicken.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken cook in the sauce for about 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if necessary.
Serve the creamy zesty herbed chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of steamed vegetables. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2700 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 173.9 g | 223% | |
| Saturated Fat | 84.1 g | 420% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 929 mg | 310% | |
| Sodium | 4148 mg | 180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.8 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 241.6 g | 483% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 819 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 8.6 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 2102 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
