Creamy Herb Crusted Chicken Best 7 Tips for Juicy Results
Introduction
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our mouthwatering Creamy Herb Crusted Chicken recipe! This culinary masterpiece combines the succulence of tender chicken with a luxurious herb-infused crust, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. According to a recent survey by the National Chicken Council, 94% of Americans consume chicken regularly, making it the most popular protein choice. Our recipe elevates this beloved staple to new heights, offering a gourmet experience that’s surprisingly easy to achieve at home.
Why is it Perfect for You?
This Creamy Herb Crusted Chicken is the ideal solution for those seeking a restaurant-quality meal without the hefty price tag. Here’s why you’ll love it:
1. Time-efficient: Ready in just 45 minutes
2. Versatile: Suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions
3. Nutritious: Packed with protein and essential herbs
4. Crowd-pleaser: Appealing to both adults and children
5. Customizable: Easy to adapt for various dietary needs
Ingredients List
For the chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
For the creamy herb sauce:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time and Servings
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow dishes:
1. Fill the first with flour
2. Beat the eggs in the second
3. Mix panko, Parmesan, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder in the third
3. Bread the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then egg, and finally the herb-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
5. Prepare the Creamy Herb Sauce
In a separate saucepan, combine cream, chicken broth, chives, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Place the Creamy Herb Crusted Chicken on plates and drizzle with the creamy herb sauce. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 40g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Carbs | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Calories per Person
At 520 calories per serving, this Creamy Herb Crusted Chicken fits comfortably within the recommended calorie range for a main course. It’s about 26% of a 2000-calorie daily diet, leaving room for sides and dessert.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
1. Use whole wheat flour and breadcrumbs for added fiber
2. Substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream in the sauce
3. Opt for egg whites instead of whole eggs
4. Use cooking spray instead of olive oil for a lower-fat option
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your Creamy Herb Crusted Chicken experience with these pairings:
1. Roasted asparagus or green beans
2. Garlic mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
3. Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
4. Steamed quinoa or brown rice
5. Grilled lemon halves for a zesty touch
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcooking the chicken, resulting in dryness
2. Not patting the chicken dry before breading
3. Skipping the resting period after cooking
4. Overcrowding the pan while frying
5. Neglecting to season each component of the dish
Storing Tips for the Recipe
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness
• Freeze uncooked breaded chicken for up to 2 months
• Store sauce separately and reheat gently on the stovetop
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs as substitutes.
Q: How can I ensure the chicken stays moist?
A: Don’t overcook, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A: Yes, but reduce the quantity by half as dried herbs are more potent.
Q: Is it possible to bake this instead of frying?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: You can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before cooking.
Conclusion
Our Creamy Herb Crusted Chicken recipe offers a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and luscious herb-infused sauce, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or elevating your weeknight dinner game, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen. Give it a try and discover why it’s quickly becoming a go-to recipe for food lovers everywhere!
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
