If you are craving something truly comforting and rich, this Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe is going to become your new go-to dinner. It features tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce that’s packed with savory onion, garlic, and a hint of poultry seasoning. The magic happens as the sauce thickens just right, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that make every bite utterly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is an effortless way to impress while delivering homestyle goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you. Each one plays a crucial role in giving this dish its creamy texture, depth of flavor, and that inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. From the tender chicken to the subtle spices, everything comes together beautifully.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinner cutlets cook quickly and soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a rich base flavor and helps brown the chicken to perfection.
- ½ medium onion, finely diced: Provides sweetness and a delicate crunch when sautéed.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth that complements the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: A blend that enhances the savory profile with a touch of herbs.
- 2 cups milk: The creamy foundation of the sauce, making it silky and smooth.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce without clumps or heaviness.
- 1 ½ tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to create the perfect slurry for thickening.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast in half to create thinner cutlets. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb more of that delicious sauce later. Be sure to season both sides generously with salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Step 2: Brown Chicken
Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering. Add the chicken cutlets and cook them until golden-brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. This browning step seals in the juices and adds incredible depth to the final dish. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onions to the same skillet. Cook them until they turn translucent, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken – this adds amazing flavor. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes, allowing its fragrance to fill the kitchen. Sprinkle in the poultry seasoning and mix well to marry all the aromas together.
Step 4: Make Sauce
Pour the milk into the skillet with the aromatics and give everything a good stir. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a smooth slurry. Gradually add this into the skillet while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens to a luscious creamy consistency.
Step 5: Simmer Chicken
Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Lower the heat back to medium, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes. This step ensures the chicken cooks completely while soaking in all those wonderful flavors, resulting in a tender, juicy bite every time.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe from comforting to stunning. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and fresh earthiness that balances the richness of the sauce. For a touch of tang, a few lemon zest flakes on top provide a bright contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, wholesome sides that can soak up the creamy sauce. Fluffy white rice or buttery egg noodles are perfect companions. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a nice crunch and vibrant color to your plate, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the creamy chicken breast over a bed of mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. You could also plate it with garlic sautéed spinach for a nutrient boost. Don’t be afraid to drizzle a bit more sauce over the top and arrange everything neatly for that restaurant-quality touch right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it an easy option for busy weeknight meals or packed lunches.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen leftovers will keep well for about 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat your frozen or refrigerated Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t separate or scorch. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or water to bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and tenderness, but cooking times may vary slightly since thighs can be thicker and fattier. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through before serving.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. For the sauce, cornstarch still works great as a thickener. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add vegetables directly to the dish?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers make excellent additions. Add them when you sauté the onions so they soften and blend with the flavors perfectly.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling?
Keep the heat moderate while adding milk and cornstarch slurry, and whisk constantly as the sauce thickens. Avoid boiling vigorously, which can cause curdling. A steady simmer is key to a silky smooth sauce.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can brown the chicken and make the sauce ahead, then combine and simmer just before serving. This saves time and keeps everything fresh and flavorful for your meal.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe is such a heartwarming dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Its ease of preparation and rich, satisfying flavors make it an absolute winner for any occasion. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every creamy, tender bite as much as I do!
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 browned to perfection and simmered in a rich, savory milk-based sauce infused with garlic, onions, and poultry seasoning. Perfectly balanced and comforting, it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 ½ tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides liberally with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Brown Chicken: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken cutlets in the skillet and brown for about 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onions to the same skillet and sauté until translucent, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in poultry seasoning for added depth.
- Make Sauce: Pour milk into the skillet, stirring to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a smooth slurry, then add this to the skillet. Whisk constantly as you increase heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the browned chicken cutlets to the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and let simmer in the creamy sauce for 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and heated evenly.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken over your choice of rice or noodles, accompanied by steamed or sautéed vegetables for a complete, delicious meal.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer until desired consistency is reached.
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce or substitute with 2% milk to reduce fat content.
- Feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley as a garnish to enhance freshness.
- This recipe can be doubled easily to serve a larger crowd.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
