Savory Herb Chicken Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're on the hunt for a satisfying yet straightforward dinner that promises to impress, look no further than this Savory Herb Chicken Delight. It combines fresh herbs with juicy chicken to create a dish that's both flavorful and comforting. Let's dive into what makes this recipe a must-try!

Ingredients for Savory Herb Chicken Delight

The star of the show is, of course, the chicken breasts. Opt for boneless and skinless for ease of cooking and serving. Olive oil acts as the base for our herb marinade, helping to infuse the chicken with flavor and keep it moist. The combination of fresh thyme and rosemary brings an earthy, aromatic profile that pairs beautifully with garlic. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper rounds out the seasoning. Lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that brightens the dish, while chicken broth enhances the savory notes. Finally, heavy cream is used to create a rich, velvety sauce that ties everything together.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure the skillet is hot enough to sear the chicken properly; this step locks in the juices.
  • Resting the chicken after baking is crucial for maintaining its juiciness.
  • If you don't have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used, but reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or a light, fluffy rice pilaf. The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over these sides as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as thighs often take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, though it will slightly change the flavor.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Savory Herb Chicken Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you a perfect opportunity to gather and prep your ingredients. In a small bowl, mix together your olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor-packed marinade. Rub this fragrant mixture generously over the chicken breasts, ensuring they're well-coated.

Next, grab a large oven-safe skillet. Heat it over medium-high heat until it's hot enough for a satisfying sizzle. Sear the chicken breasts, letting them develop a golden crust on each side, roughly 3-4 minutes per side should do the trick. Once seared, pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth around the chicken, and then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

Let the chicken bake for about 20-25 minutes. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they're perfectly cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a separate plate. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

Return the skillet to the stove over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, just until it thickens slightly. Serve the chicken with this luscious sauce drizzled over the top.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare yet sophisticated enough for a dinner party.
  • Utilizes fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
  • Can be prepared in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Perfect balance of creaminess and zestiness.

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture over the chicken breasts.
4. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Add lemon juice and chicken broth to the skillet, then transfer to the oven.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove chicken from the skillet and let rest.
8. Place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat, add heavy cream, and stir to combine, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan.
9. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
10. Serve chicken with sauce drizzled over the top.

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