Sliced Chicken in a Butter Sauce

Sliced Chicken in a Butter Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender, pan-seared chicken with a creamy, garlicky butter sauce. The dish is finished with a touch of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add chicken broth, butter, minced garlic, and thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and continue to cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top and allowing it to coat the chicken.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Herb Options: You can experiment with different herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano instead of thyme for varied flavor.
• Add Veggies: To make the dish more complete, sauté vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus in the skillet before adding the sauce.
• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce to bring a little heat to the dish.
• Different Cheese: Try using mozzarella, Gruyère, or cheddar in place of Parmesan for a different cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work perfectly for this dish. They may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.
2. Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken breasts? If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Cooking frozen chicken directly can result in uneven cooking.
3. Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream? Yes, but the sauce may not be as rich or thick as with heavy cream. You could also use half-and-half for a slightly lighter version.
4. Can I add mushrooms to this dish? Yes, sliced mushrooms would be a great addition. Sauté them in the skillet before adding the garlic and broth for extra flavor.
5. What sides go well with this dish? This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad.
6. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
7. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? You can make the sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat and add the cooked chicken when ready to serve.
8. Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, you can use dairy-free butter, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.
9. What can I use if I don’t have chicken broth? You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water, though the flavor will be a bit milder.
10. Can I freeze this dish? While the chicken and sauce can be frozen, the texture of the cream and butter sauce may change once thawed. It’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately for better results.

Conclusion

Sliced Chicken in a Butter Sauce is a simple yet indulgent meal that will impress with its rich flavors and creamy texture. The tender chicken combined with the buttery, garlicky sauce makes for a comforting dish that can easily become a favorite in your household. Whether served with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish is sure to satisfy!

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