Description
Enjoy a comforting creamy smothered chicken dish with tender chicken breasts in a rich garlic and herb sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken; it should be no longer pink inside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet as you stir; this adds great flavor to the sauce.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Make sure to mix it well so that the cream is fully incorporated into the broth.
- Add the dried thyme and rosemary to the sauce, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully transfer the creamy smothered chicken to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a lovely flavor contrast.
- Serve the creamy smothered chicken with your choice of sides. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over your sides as well!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the seasoning mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.
- Experiment with different types of cheese! While cheddar is delicious, you could also try mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes