Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken is a one-pan wonder featuring juicy, perfectly seared chicken breasts (or thighs) simmered in a rich, cheesy, and flavorful sauce. A comforting dinner that tastes like restaurant-quality indulgence with minimal effort.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or chopped chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Add remaining butter to skillet, sauté onions for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the pan to deglaze. Stir in heavy cream.
5. Return chicken to skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over chicken, cover 2-3 minutes until melted.
7. Garnish with parsley or chives and serve immediately over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for a good sear.
Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Keep heat low after adding cream to prevent curdling.
Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C); use a meat thermometer.
Optional swaps: pork chops, turkey cutlets, dairy-free cream, add mushrooms or spinach, or a pinch of cayenne for spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Skillet, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg