Smothered Chicken Breasts with Creamy Thyme Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Smothered Chicken Breasts offer a rich and comforting meal with tender chicken cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
5. Step 5: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Stir in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any brown bits.
7. Step 7: Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine.
8. Step 8: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them.
9. Step 9: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to absorb the flavors.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when stirring in the chicken broth.
• Substitute fresh thyme for dried if available, using three times the amount.
• Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
• To keep chicken juicy, avoid overcooking; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Storage

Store leftover smothered chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to prevent the cream sauce from curdling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but cooking time will be longer. Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly, checking with a meat thermometer.

What can I do if the sauce is too thin?

Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and cook until thickened.

Smothered Chicken Breasts with Creamy Thyme Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 115 reviews

A comforting and flavorful recipe for smothered chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with onions, garlic, and herbs. This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory sauce infused with Dijon mustard and thyme, perfect for a cozy family meal.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the chicken.
2. Season chicken: Season the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
3. Brown chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté onions: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
5. Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
6. Deglaze skillet: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits, which adds depth to the sauce.
7. Make sauce: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme to the skillet and mix well to combine all flavors.
8. Return chicken to skillet: Place the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon some of the creamy sauce over them to coat evenly.
9. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and the chicken to absorb the delicious flavors.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add color and a fresh herbal note.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when deglazing the skillet.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative.
• Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.

Keywords: smothered chicken, creamy chicken, chicken breasts, skillet chicken, easy chicken dinner