Creamy Herb Chicken

When a Quick and Delicious Meal is Just What You Need

There are days when cooking feels like a Herculean task, and all you can think of is dialing for take-out. But, what if you could whip up a delicious, hearty meal that requires minimal effort and time? Enter our Creamy Herb Chicken recipe—your new weeknight hero. This dish is not only mouthwatering but also incredibly easy to prepare, thanks to a clever shortcut with spreadable herb cheese. Perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this recipe will make your Monday nights something to look forward to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just a few minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of herb cheese and added herbs packs a flavorful punch.
• Versatile: Pairs well with pasta, rice, or a side of veggies.
• Minimal Cleanup: Uses one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pan or skillet
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

• 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2/3 cup chicken broth
• 1 (4.4 oz.) package spreadable herb cheese (we use Boursin)
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brush chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken breasts until opaque and no longer pink. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. To the same skillet, heat remaining olive oil and sauté shallot and garlic, with basil, oregano, and tarragon, for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Stir in herb cheese, broth, lemon juice, and zest, and whisk together until smooth, then sprinkle in flour and whisk until incorporated.
5. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Return chicken to skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot!

Tips for Success

• Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before removing it from the skillet to ensure it’s juicy and not dry.
• Whisk the sauce continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
• Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more broth if needed.

Additional Tips and Variations

For a twist, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor. If you prefer a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein option.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This recipe is a good source of protein from the chicken and contains healthy fats from olive oil. The use of fresh herbs adds vitamins and antioxidants to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, any spreadable cheese that you enjoy can be used, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and sauce separately, and combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh.

What sides go well with this dish?

Steamed vegetables, a light salad, or garlic bread are all excellent choices to complement this meal.

Conclusion

Why not give this Creamy Herb Chicken a try and transform your weeknight dinners into something special? It’s simple, delightful, and sure to become a family favorite. We’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so feel free to share your experience and any personal twists you add to the recipe!