If you’re craving something truly comforting and packed with rich, luscious flavors, this Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender chicken breasts swim in a velvety sauce that’s infused with garlic, poultry seasoning, and a silky milk-based creaminess that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. This dish hits all the right notes, from savory to smooth, and is perfect for a cozy dinner that everyone will ask to have again. Once you make this Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you; each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the delicious balance of flavor and texture that makes this dish so irresistible. From the tender chicken to the aromatic onions and comforting milk-based sauce, everything works together beautifully.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein; cutting into thinner cutlets ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a rich, creamy base for sautéing and flavor layering.
- ½ medium onion, finely diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Packs a punch of savory aroma that elevates the dish.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: Blends spices that perfectly complement chicken and enhance the overall taste.
- 2 cups milk: The backbone of the creamy sauce, lending smoothness without heaviness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce to just the right consistency.
- 1 ½ tablespoons water: Used to make a cornstarch slurry, ensuring a lump-free sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that bring all flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast in half to create thinner cutlets. This step helps the chicken cook evenly and fast. Then, give both sides a generous seasoning with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning at the start is key to building flavorful layers throughout the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken cutlets for about five minutes on each side. This process locks in juices and creates a lovely golden crust that adds texture and depth of flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—don’t worry, it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium and toss in the finely diced onions. Sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant, which usually takes a few minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and poultry seasoning, cooking for another two minutes. This step releases the essence of your aromatics and spices, perfect for infusing the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the milk into the skillet and start stirring to pick up all the flavorful bits from the pan. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry, which you then add to the milk mixture. Whisk constantly as you bring the sauce up to a medium-high simmer; this thickens the sauce into a beautifully creamy consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Return the browned chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has soaked up all those rich flavors. This step ensures juicy, tender chicken bathed in that dreamy, creamy sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper add just the right touch of color and freshness to the creamy chicken, balancing the richness with a pop of brightness that’s both pretty and appetizing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or buttery egg noodles, which soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. For veggies, think steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp side salad—anything that adds texture and freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish presentation, serve the chicken cutlets partially sliced atop a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. Drizzle extra sauce over the top and add garnishes like crispy shallots or toasted pine nuts for unexpected texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken after cooling; this is normal and can easily be loosened when reheated.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe freezes well. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to two months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of milk or water to bring back its creamy texture without losing flavor.
FAQs
Can I use cream instead of milk?
Absolutely! Using cream will make the sauce even richer and thicker. If you want a lighter version, stick with milk. Both options taste fantastic, so it’s all about your preference.
What can I use instead of poultry seasoning?
If you don’t have poultry seasoning on hand, a mix of dried thyme, sage, rosemary, and a pinch of nutmeg will replicate that warm, herby flavor beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! The recipe uses cornstarch instead of flour as a thickener, which is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure that your poultry seasoning and other ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten.
Can I make this recipe in an oven-safe dish?
While this recipe is designed for stovetop cooking to control the sauce consistency, you can brown the chicken on the stove, then transfer everything to an oven-safe dish to finish baking at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid drying out.
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Great idea! Stir in baby spinach or sliced mushrooms during the sauce simmer step, or serve with a side of roasted vegetables to complement the creamy chicken. Just be mindful of cooking times for each vegetable you add.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone who loves a dish that’s straightforward but full of heart and flavor. It’s the kind of meal that invites comfort and satisfaction with every bite—perfect for weeknights or impressing guests without the fuss. Give it a try, and I promise it will find a special place on your dinner rotation.
Print
Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken breast recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken cutlets cooked to golden brown perfection and simmered in a rich, flavorful milk-based sauce infused with sautéed onions, garlic, and poultry seasoning. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners, served best over rice or noodles alongside your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
Sauce
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1½ tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Brown Chicken: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium; add the finely diced onions to the skillet and sauté until translucent and softened, about 4 minutes. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in poultry seasoning to release its aroma.
- Make Sauce: Pour the milk into the skillet with the aromatics and stir well. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the skillet, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and heated thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken breast over rice or noodles. Pair with your favorite vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Adjust poultry seasoning quantity based on your taste preference or substitute with a mix of thyme, sage, and rosemary.
- Ensure chicken is not overcooked to keep it juicy and tender.
- The sauce can be thickened more by adding additional cornstarch slurry if desired.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.
