Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken with Parmesan Polenta
Elevate dinner tonight Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken with Parmesan Polenta is pure comfort Heavy cream makes it restaurantworthy Get the easy recipe now ... Quick & Easy Recipes
Recipe Introduction: Creamy Garlic & Herb Chicken with Parmesan Polenta
Quick Hook
Fancy a chicken dish that's totally restaurant-worthy but easy enough for a Tuesday? This creamy garlic & herb chicken recipe is it! Get ready for some serious comfort food with a touch of class.
Brief Overview
This creamy chicken dish, a hug in a bowl, takes inspiration from classic European flavors. It features tender chicken breasts in a luscious garlic cream sauce , served with comforting parmesan polenta recipe .
This recipe falls into the medium difficulty category and needs only 55 minutes , yielding 4 servings.
Main Benefits
The creamy richness of this dish doesn’t just taste good; heavy cream also gives you a good hit of fat-soluble vitamins.
Perfect for a special family dinner or impressing your mates, this recipe is all about that satisfying savory cream sauce recipes.
What makes it special? The herb infused cream sauce and creamy chicken recipes combination!
Heavy Cream Delights: Recipe Unveiled
Let's dive right in. Honestly, I was inspired to create this after a particularly dreary week. You know those days when you just need something seriously comforting? That’s when this dish was born.
Ingredient Spotlight: That heavy cream Goodness
This isn’t your average chicken dinner. The chicken breast recipe here uses a glorious heavy cream , which makes all the difference.
It brings the whole dish together into a symphony of flavors. I've even tried heavy cream substitutes cooking before, but honestly, nothing beats the real deal here.
Polenta Perfection: It's an easy polenta recipe
And the polenta? Forget lumpy porridge! This is a creamy, cheesy dream. Trust me; even if you think you don’t like polenta, you’ll love this easy polenta recipe .
It's the perfect base for soaking up that delicious chicken in cream sauce .
Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken with Parmesan Polenta Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's dive into what you'll need to create this gorgeous creamy garlic & herb chicken with parmesan polenta recipe . I promise, it's easier than it sounds! Honestly, the first time I made polenta, I was intimidated.
Main Ingredients
Alright, here's the shopping list, folks. No need to fret, it all comes together quite nicely!
- Chicken Breasts : 4 boneless, skinless ( about 6 oz/170g each ). Look for plump, pink chicken.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Extra virgin is always a winner.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) . Freshly ground is best!
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (unsalted, 30g ). And another 2 tablespoons for the polenta.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. About 2 teaspoons , plenty for that glorious garlic cream sauce !
- White Wine: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Sauvignon Blanc works great if you want to take it to the next level.
- Heavy Cream : 1 cup (240 ml) . This is key for that ultra-creamy texture. It needs to be heavy cream for the best consistency!
- Parsley: 1/4 cup , chopped fresh. Packed, about 15g .
- Thyme: 1 tablespoon , chopped fresh leaves ( 3g ).
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . For that touch of freshness!
- Red Pepper Flakes: Pinch (optional).
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . For the polenta.
- Yellow Cornmeal: 1 cup (coarse or medium grind). 160g .
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup , grated. 50g .
Seasoning Notes
We're going for cozy, flavorful comfort food here. Think classic French vibes with a little Italian thrown in!
- Garlic, parsley, and thyme are your essential combo. So aromatic! You can even play around with an herb infused cream sauce .
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely, subtle heat. It's all about that savory cream sauce recipes experience.
- No white wine? No problem! Just skip it or use a splash of chicken broth instead. If you don't have heavy cream , using milk as heavy cream substitutes cooking isn't the same, but it is fine!
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, folks. No need for fancy gadgets.
- Large skillet or frying pan.
- Medium saucepan.
- Whisk.
- Cutting board.
- Chef's knife.
Honestly, the most important thing is a good skillet. That's where all the magic happens with the chicken in cream sauce .
We want that chicken breast recipe to be perfect! And a sturdy whisk will get your easy polenta recipe lump-free.
Creamy Garlic & Herb Chicken with Parmesan Polenta
Oh my gosh, you guys! Let's make some proper comfort food. I'm talking creamy chicken recipes that feel fancy but are secretly easy.
Think of this as your new go-to chicken breast recipe , because honestly, once you taste that garlic cream sauce , you'll be hooked.
And that parmesan polenta recipe ? Forget about it! It's like a warm hug in a bowl. I messed up the recipe the first time I tried.
I did not cook the sauce long enough! and it was too liquid.
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized!
Essential mise en place : First, get everything prepped. Chop those herbs! Mince the garlic. Measure out your heavy cream .
Seriously, it makes life so much easier. I can also use heavy cream substitutes cooking if i don't have it.
Time-saving organization tips : I like to use little bowls for all my prepped ingredients. It's like my own little cooking show! I prepare my herb infused cream sauce by preparing my herbs in advance.
Safety reminders : Watch out for that hot oil when searing the chicken. Don't be like me and set off the smoke alarm! I did that when I was cooking for my mom on her birthday.
Step-by-Step to Creamy Chicken Heaven
- Pat your chicken breasts dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sear those babies! Medium-high heat and about 4 minutes per side. They should be golden brown. Take them out and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same pan. Add garlic. Cook until fragrant, but not burnt!
- Pour in white wine (if using). Scrape up those browned bits! Simmer until almost gone.
- Pour in the heavy cream . Add parsley, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy!). Simmer until the sauce thickens (about 5- 7 minutes ). The sauce should be thick and creamy.
- Add lemon juice. Taste. Adjust seasoning. Is it amazing? Yes? Great!
- Put the chicken back in the pan. Spoon that glorious savory cream sauce recipes all over. Heat through.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Game
- Don't overcook the chicken! Sear it for color, but it finishes cooking in the sauce. Dry chicken is sad chicken. I hate overcooking my chicken in cream sauce .
- Make the polenta while the chicken simmers. That way everything is ready to go at the same time. This makes for the best easy polenta recipe .
- Fresh herbs are key! They add so much flavor. If you only have dried, use half the amount. It won't have the same flavor though!
This creamy chicken recipes is a winner, winner, chicken dinner! Enjoy, my friends!
Recipe Notes: Creamy Garlic & Herb Chicken with Parmesan Polenta
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty! This Creamy Garlic & Herb Chicken Breast Recipe with Parmesan Polenta Recipe is pretty forgiving, but a few tips can make it chef's kiss perfect.
Trust me, I've had my share of kitchen fails, so I'm sharing the wisdom (and the secrets!).
Plating Like a Pro (Serving Suggestions)
Presentation is everything, right? Pile that luscious parmesan polenta recipe high on the plate. Top it with the chicken in cream sauce and let that gorgeous sauce cascade over it.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color. For sides, think bright and fresh. Steamed asparagus or a simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
A glass of crisp white wine? Absolutely!
Storing for Later (Storage Tips)
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the chicken and polenta separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3 days.
To reheat the creamy chicken recipes , gently warm it in a pan on the stove over low heat. Don't boil it, or the heavy cream might separate.
The polenta can be reheated similarly, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick. Freezing is an option, but the texture of the polenta might change slightly.
Remixing the Recipe (Variations)
Want to shake things up? For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream . The flavor will be different, but still amazing! And omit the Parmesan in the polenta or use a vegan cheese alternative.
If you're looking for a seasonal twist, use sun-dried tomatoes in the summer, which create a more intense savory cream sauce recipes , and butternut squash in the fall to change the easy polenta recipe .
Quick Nutrition Lowdown (Nutrition Basics)
Okay, let's keep it real: this dish is rich thanks to the heavy cream . But it's also packed with protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese.
The garlic and herbs offer antioxidants too. For a lighter version, use chicken broth and a little heavy cream substitutes cooking in the polenta, and trim any visible fat from the chicken.
Overall, it's a balanced meal that will make you feel good.
So there you have it! All my secrets for a truly amazing creamy chicken recipes experience. Don't be scared to experiment with the herb infused cream sauce and make it your own.
Now go forth and create some magic in the kitchen! You got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute something else for the heavy cream in this Creamy Garlic & Herb Chicken recipe? I'm trying to cut back on calories.
While heavy cream provides the signature richness and flavor, you can substitute half-and-half or a lighter cream for a slightly less decadent dish. Keep in mind that the sauce won't be quite as thick or creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream can be used, but it will impart a slight coconut flavor. Just don't expect it to taste like Nando's!
My heavy cream sauce separated! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?
Uh oh, a split sauce can be a bit of a kitchen nightmare, like finding out your favorite band has broken up! This usually happens when the cream is boiled too vigorously or cooked at too high a temperature. To prevent this, keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. If it does separate, try whisking in a tablespoon of cold butter or a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to help bring it back together. Sometimes a splash of ice water, whisked vigorously, can help too.
How long can I store leftover Creamy Garlic & Herb Chicken with Parmesan Polenta?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cream sauce may thicken slightly upon refrigeration. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The polenta may also thicken, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to restore its creamy consistency. Think of it as a box set to watch another day!
I don't have fresh parsley or thyme on hand. Can I use dried herbs instead in this heavy cream sauce?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh, but remember that dried herbs are more potent. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe. So, if the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. Fresh herbs definitely add a brightness, so try to use them if you can, but dried herbs will certainly do in a pinch.
What's the best way to sear the chicken breasts so they're perfectly cooked and not dry?
The key is to pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before searing, as excess moisture hinders browning. Use medium-high heat and don't overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. A meat thermometer is your best friend here – aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Think "golden brown, not hockey puck!"
Can I freeze this Creamy Garlic & Herb Chicken with Parmesan Polenta?
While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the cream sauce and polenta may change upon thawing. The cream sauce might become slightly grainy, and the polenta could become a bit watery. If you do freeze it, make sure to cool it completely first and store it in an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best results, I'd recommend enjoying it fresh. If freezing is a must, portion control is key! Small containers make thawing much easier.
