This Smothered Chicken Breasts recipe is perfect for when you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal. With tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and a blend of seasonings makes the sauce irresistible, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. It’s a quick, easy recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
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
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
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.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any brown bits.
Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them.
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.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Variations
If I want to switch things up, I sometimes add a bit of parmesan cheese to the sauce for extra richness. You could also use different herbs like rosemary or basil instead of thyme for a new flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier version, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes would bring a nice kick. For a lighter option, swapping out the heavy cream for a lighter version like half-and-half or using coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative works too!
Storage/Reheating
I find this dish holds up really well in the fridge. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, I simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s heated through.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for bone-in chicken, as it may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I like to make it the day of because it’s so quick, but you can prepare the sauce and chicken separately ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Then just heat them up when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Just store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with smothered chicken breasts?
I love serving this with mashed potatoes, rice, or even steamed vegetables to soak up all the creamy sauce. A side of garlic bread is also a great option for mopping up the extra sauce!
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?
While the chicken is the star of this dish, I’ve had success substituting with plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Smothered Chicken Breasts is a dish that checks all the boxes—creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. With a delicious, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, it’s a comforting meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that extra touch!
Recipe:
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Smothered Chicken Breasts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Smothered Chicken Breasts recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a rich, creamy sauce made with sautéed onions, garlic, Dijon mustard, and cream. A comforting and hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
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
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any brown bits.
- Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them.
- 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.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra chicken broth or cream if necessary.
For a lighter option, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
