Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe
If you love flavorful, comforting dinners that don’t require hours in the kitchen, then this Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe is about to steal your heart (and your tastebuds)! Tender chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection, then nestled in a luxuriously creamy garlic and herb sauce that’s bursting with Italian flair. Each bite is a glorious harmony of savory, cheesy, and herby goodness—the kind of meal that always earns rave reviews around the table. This skillet dinner is proof that a show-stopping centerpiece doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe is all in its beautiful simplicity. Every ingredient here has a purpose: think crisp, golden chicken, fragrant aromatics, and luscious cream, all working together to create big flavors. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each is a star!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up that incredible creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps get that perfect golden sear on your chicken.
- Butter: Gives the sauce a silky finish and deep, savory flavor.
- Garlic: Three cloves infuse the sauce with unmistakable aromatic warmth.
- Heavy Cream: Delivers that dreamy, luxuriously creamy texture—no shortcuts here!
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory notes while keeping the sauce balanced.
- Dried Italian Herbs: Bring a medley of basil, oregano, and rosemary for true Italian-style flavor.
- Dried Thyme: Lends a subtle, earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with cream and chicken.
- Dried Parsley: Adds color and a hint of freshness to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated for nutty, salty complexity that thickens the sauce just right.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, making all the other flavors pop.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top adds color and a burst of freshness just before serving.
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Grab your chicken breasts and give them a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper on both sides. This simple step helps lock in moisture and flavor as the chicken sears, setting the foundation for every delicious bite. Don’t rush it—seasoning is key!
Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful, deep golden crust—that’s where so much flavor comes from. When fully cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. The pan will have beautiful browned bits—don’t wipe it!
Step 3: Build the Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe Sauce
Reduce the skillet to medium heat and add the butter. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan (hello, flavor!). Next, stir in the heavy cream, Italian herbs, thyme, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk it all together and let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens just slightly.
Step 4: Return Chicken to the Skillet
Now, nestle those golden chicken breasts back into the creamy sauce, spooning the herby goodness over the top. Let everything gently simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes—this finishing step ensures the chicken stays juicy and every bite is coated in the dreamy sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy (and honestly, why not?), scatter fresh chopped parsley over the skillet right before serving. The green pops against the cream, adding a fresh note and magazine-worthy presentation. Now your Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe is ready for its big table debut!
How to Serve Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe

Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or even a few extra shavings of Parmesan really elevate the look and taste of this dish. Sprinkle these just before serving for that final bright note, and watch how the green contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. If you’re a lemon lover, a wedge on the side adds a zesty complement!
Side Dishes
This Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe is practically begging to be paired with something that’ll soak up its luscious sauce. Think buttery mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or a spoonful of fluffy rice. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a roasted veggie medley or steamed green beans for a pop of color and crunch alongside the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
You can slice the chicken and fan it out over a bed of risotto for a bistro look, or pile everything onto a rustic wooden platter for family-style serving. Or, ladle the creamy sauce onto individual plates and set the chicken on top for restaurant-style presentation—don’t forget the extra sauce on the side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Transfer any remaining chicken and sauce to an airtight container, then pop it in the fridge. The Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen with time, making leftovers just as enticing.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though the creamy sauce might separate a bit after thawing. Let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then store together in airtight, freezer-safe containers. For best quality, use within 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge for a gentle transition back to deliciousness.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring the sauce often to bring it back together. You can also microwave smaller portions, but add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce looks a little thick. Stir occasionally to keep it super creamy!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs tend to be a bit thicker.
Is there a lighter version of the Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe?
You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. Another great option is to add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and bulk without extra cream.
What’s the best way to know when the chicken is cooked through?
The most reliable method is to use an instant-read thermometer—your chicken is ready when it registers 165°F at the thickest part. No thermometer? Cut into the thickest area; it should be white and juicy, not pink.
Can I make Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe dairy-free?
You can experiment with non-dairy cooking creams or coconut cream and a plant-based butter, plus nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The flavor will change, but it’s a good option for dairy sensitivities!
What if I want to double the Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe?
No problem! Simply double all the ingredients and brown the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding your skillet. You may want to simmer the sauce a little longer to ensure it thickens nicely with the extra volume.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new knockout dinner that feels both comforting and a little bit special, you truly can’t go wrong with this Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe. I hope you’ll give it a try—you might just discover your next favorite weeknight classic!
Print
Creamy Herb Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Creamy Herb Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a luscious herb-infused cream sauce, served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cream Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze. Add heavy cream, herbs, Parmesan, and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to enjoy the creamy sauce.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version or add spinach and mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg