Simple Chicken Recipes That Always Get Requested Again

When you’re looking for dinner ideas that are both fast and flavorful, chicken breast recipes often come to mind.

This particular recipe stands out because it uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, transforming everyday chicken into something truly special. It’s the kind of meal that consistently earns rave reviews and gets requested again and again, making it a perfect staple for busy weeknights.

This dish is designed for ease and maximum flavor, proving that you don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients or complicated techniques to create a satisfying family dinner. It’s all about leveraging common pantry items to produce a comforting, delicious meal that everyone at the table will enjoy.

Creamy Weeknight Chicken

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• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This quick and easy creamy chicken recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets, about 1/2 inch thick.

2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken cutlets, ensuring they are well coated.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken cutlets to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

4. Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C)). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. If there are any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, add the chicken broth and scrape them up with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan. Stir in the sour cream until it’s smooth and heated through. Do not bring the sauce to a boil.

6. Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the warm sour cream sauce. Allow them to simmer gently in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, before serving immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: pan-fried, simmered
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce

Keywords: chicken, creamy, weeknight, easy, dinner, quick, family, comfort food, sour cream, skillet

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true weeknight hero, perfect for anyone who needs to get a delicious meal on the table without a lot of fuss. It’s ideal for busy parents, individuals looking for simple meal solutions, or even beginner cooks who want to build confidence in the kitchen. What makes it so appealing is its straightforward approach and the comforting, creamy flavor profile that appeals to almost everyone, including picky eaters. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it a fantastic option after a long day at work or school activities. Serve it as a main course for a cozy family dinner, or even as part of a larger spread when you have unexpected guests. It’s versatile enough to fit into almost any casual dining situation where good food and easy preparation are key.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, utilizing ingredients that are readily available at any grocery store. You won’t need to hunt for obscure items, which means less stress and more time enjoying your meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

When it comes to substitutions, you have a few easy options. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley flakes will work in a pinch, just use about half the amount. For the chicken broth, vegetable broth can be used as an alternative if that’s what you have on hand. While sour cream is central to the dish’s creamy texture and tangy flavor, plain Greek yogurt (full-fat) can be a decent substitute if you’re looking for a slightly tangier or higher-protein option, though the texture might be a little different. Always opt for full-fat dairy for the best results in terms of creaminess and flavor.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

One of the best features of this chicken recipe is how quickly it moves from prep to plate. It’s designed for efficiency, making it perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence but you still want a homemade meal.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

This realistic timeline ensures you can have a delicious and satisfying dinner ready in under 35 minutes, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy your evening.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Follow these clear steps to achieve a perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken dish every time. The visual cues will help you know exactly what to look for at each stage.

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better and get a nice golden crust. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even and quick cooking.
2. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken cutlets, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken cutlets to the hot pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
4. Cook until golden: Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes per side, or until it’s beautifully golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with an instant-read thermometer, and the juices run clear. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
5. Create the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. If there are any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, add the chicken broth and scrape them up with a wooden spoon – this is called deglazing and adds a lot of flavor to your sauce. Stir in the sour cream until it’s smooth and heated through. Do not bring the sauce to a boil, as this can cause the sour cream to separate.
6. Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the warm sour cream sauce. Allow them to simmer gently in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, before serving immediately.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This simple chicken recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking, making it easier for little hands to manage. A sprinkle of mild cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken in the sauce as it simmers can also be a big hit with children.

To expand on the flavor profile, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sour cream sauce at the very end for a bright, zesty kick. A pinch of dried dill or chives can also elevate the herbaceous notes. For a touch of heat, a tiny dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce can add a subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.

This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make excellent accompaniments. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted asparagus or a simple side of crusty bread for dipping. This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner, but it’s also elegant enough to serve for a small gathering or a relaxed buffet-style meal.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls, but knowing what to look out for can save your meal. Here are a few common mistakes and how to steer clear of them:

• Overcrowding the pan: When searing the chicken, it’s tempting to throw all the pieces in at once. However, overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, preventing the chicken from browning properly. Instead of a golden crust, you’ll end up with steamed, pale chicken. Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to hold all pieces in a single layer with some space between them.
• Not patting the chicken dry: Moisture on the surface of the chicken prevents a good sear. Always pat your chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable golden-brown exterior.
• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if cooked too long. Keep an eye on the cooking time and use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The target internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). Once it reaches this temperature, remove it from the heat.
• Boiling the sour cream sauce: Sour cream, especially if it’s low-fat, can curdle or separate if brought to a rapid boil. When making the sauce, keep the heat on medium-low and stir gently until it’s just heated through and smooth. Avoid high heat once the sour cream is added.
• Skipping the deglazing step: Those browned bits at the bottom of the pan after cooking the chicken are packed with flavor. Don’t leave them behind! Adding a splash of chicken broth and scraping them up with a wooden spoon (degazing) incorporates all that deliciousness into your sauce, significantly enhancing its depth.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This creamy chicken dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can certainly be stored for later or prepared partially in advance.

For storage, allow any leftover chicken and sauce to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The sour cream sauce might thicken slightly upon chilling, which is normal.

When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to use a lower power setting and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to prevent the sauce from separating. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of

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.