Creamy Chicken Dinner That Feels Like Comfort Food

This creamy chicken dinner is a true family favorite, delivering comfort in every bite.

It’s a delicious and healthy Irish-inspired meal that comes together easily, perfect for those evenings when you crave something satisfying yet simple. You’ll love how this traditional Irish chicken dish brings warmth and flavor to your table, making it a staple for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.

Get ready to discover a creamy chicken recipe that promises to be a comforting highlight in your meal rotation. It’s designed to be straightforward, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience with a truly rewarding outcome.

Creamy Chicken Dinner

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy chicken dinner is a true family favorite, delivering comfort in every bite. It’s a delicious and healthy Irish-inspired meal that comes together easily, perfect for those evenings when you crave something satisfying yet simple. You’ll love how this traditional Irish chicken dish brings warmth and flavor to your table, making it a staple for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup frozen peas

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts to the hot pan and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

2. 2. Saute the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

3. 3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

4. 4. Deglaze and Build the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.

5. 5. Create the Creamy Texture: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

6. 6. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the frozen peas and stir everything together. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the chicken is warmed through. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper if needed.

7. 7. Serve with Garnish: Ladle the creamy chicken and peas into serving bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: skillet
• Cuisine: irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: creamy chicken, irish dinner, easy chicken, weeknight meal, comfort food, chicken and peas, healthy chicken, family dinner, skillet chicken, quick dinner

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This creamy chicken dinner is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s particularly well-suited for families, as the mild yet rich flavors tend to be a hit with both adults and children. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward cooking process make it ideal for beginner cooks, or for seasoned home chefs who need a reliable, quick dinner solution. You can serve this dish any night of the week – it’s comforting enough for a chilly evening but light enough not to feel heavy. It’s also a wonderful option for a casual get-together with friends, as it feels special without requiring a lot of fuss. The “healthy Irish dinner” aspect comes from using lean protein and fresh vegetables, ensuring a balanced meal.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients before you start cooking is the best way to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh items that are easy to find at any grocery store. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way a few key ingredients combine to create a deeply satisfying flavor profile.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For simple substitutions, if you don’t have chicken breasts, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor, though they may require a few extra minutes to cook through. Vegetable broth can be used in place of chicken broth if you prefer, which will slightly alter the flavor but still work well. If you don’t have fresh parsley, a teaspoon of dried parsley can be used in the sauce, or you can skip it entirely for garnish. For a lighter touch, half-and-half can be substituted for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich and thick.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Follow these clear steps to create your delicious creamy chicken dinner. Pay attention to the cues for each stage to ensure perfect results.

1. Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts to the hot pan and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. You’ll notice a sweet aroma filling your kitchen.

1. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

1. Deglaze and Build the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. This adds a lot of flavor to your sauce. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.

1. Create the Creamy Texture: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

1. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the frozen peas and stir everything together. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the chicken is warmed through. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper if needed.

1. Serve with Garnish: Ladle the creamy chicken and peas into serving bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This creamy chicken dish is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can serve it over plain white rice or with a side of mashed potatoes, which are always a hit. The creamy sauce is perfect for soaking up with a crusty bread roll. If you want to add more vegetables, consider stirring in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach along with the peas in the final steps. For a heartier meal, you could serve it alongside roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, embracing those traditional Irish flavors. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a lovely, fresh counterpoint to the rich sauce. This dish is also great for a buffet-style meal; keep it warm in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting if serving a crowd.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls, but knowing them ahead of time can help you avoid them. One frequent mistake is overcrowding the pan when browning the chicken. This lowers the pan’s temperature, causing the chicken to steam instead of brown, which means less flavor development. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear. Another common error is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink, then remove it from the pan. It will finish cooking gently in the sauce. When adding the cream, make sure the heat is low to prevent it from curdling; a gentle simmer is all you need. Lastly, don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasonings at the end. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference in the final flavor.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This creamy chicken dinner is fantastic for leftovers and can be prepared partially in advance. To store, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it back to your desired consistency. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously when reheating, as this can cause the cream to separate.

If you want to make it ahead, you can cook the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic, then store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, combine them in the skillet, add the broth and cream, and finish the recipe as directed. This can save you a good amount of time on a busy evening.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they are fully thawed before cutting and cooking to ensure even cooking.

What if I don’t have heavy cream? While heavy cream provides the best richness, you can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. The texture will be thinner, but the flavor will still be good.

Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even diced carrots can be added along with the peas for extra nutrients and flavor.

Is this dish spicy? No, this recipe is very mild. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth is gluten-free. No flour or thickeners are used.

How can I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce until it thickens.

What’s the best side dish for this? Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread are all excellent choices for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.

A Friendly Wrap-Up And The Best Way To Serve It

This creamy chicken dinner truly embodies comfort food, offering a healthy and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of traditional Irish-inspired cooking to your table without any fuss. The best way to serve this dish is warm, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside your favorite starchy side like fluffy mashed potatoes or

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.