Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts with Herbs A Weeknight Hug (Print Version)

Learn to make the most tender, creamy baked chicken breasts. This easy recipe turns simple ingredients into a comforting, flavorful meal your family will love.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if using GF broth)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 1/2 cup chicken broth

→ Flavor Makers

05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
08 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

→ Optional Extras

11 - 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
12 - 1 cup fresh spinach

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, let's get those chicken breasts ready for their creamy transformation. Pat them super dry with paper towels; this helps them brown a little later, which means more flavor, yay! Then, I usually give them a little whack with a meat mallet or even a heavy pan to get them to an even thickness. This is where I always make sure they're about an inch thick so they cook evenly and stay wonderfully juicy. Season them generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, really rubbing it in there. You want that flavor to penetrate!
02 - Next up, grab a good oven-safe skillet – my cast iron is my absolute favorite for this. Melt a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, carefully place your seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. We're not cooking them through here, just getting a nice golden-brown sear on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. Honestly, this step makes a huge difference in the final taste of your creamy baked chicken breasts. I've skipped it once, thinking I'd save time, and the chicken just didn't have that same depth. Don't be like me; take the extra few minutes!
03 - Once the chicken is seared, set it aside on a plate for a moment. In the same skillet (don't clean it, those browned bits are flavor gold!), add your minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it's super fragrant – oh, that smell! Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. This is where the sauce really starts to come alive, creating the perfect base for our creamy baked chicken breasts. It smells incredible, trust me!
04 - Now for the good stuff! Reduce the heat to low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it warm through for a minute, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's completely melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious. This is where the "creamy" in creamy baked chicken breasts really shines. Taste it and adjust the seasonings – maybe a little more salt, a pinch of pepper? I sometimes add a tiny dash of dried Italian herbs here too, just because I like the extra layer of flavor.
05 - Once your sauce is perfect, carefully nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, making sure they're mostly submerged in that gorgeous creamy sauce. Now, transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven. I usually aim for about 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). This is where I sometimes get impatient and open the oven door too much, letting out all the heat, oops! Try to resist that urge for the juiciest creamy baked chicken breasts!
06 - When the chicken is cooked through, pull that skillet out of the oven – careful, it's hot! Let the creamy baked chicken breasts rest in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring super tender chicken. While it rests, chop up some fresh parsley and sprinkle it generously over the top. It adds a beautiful pop of green and a fresh, herbaceous note that just completes the dish. Serve it up immediately, soaking up all that delicious creamy sauce!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry before searing; it makes a huge difference in achieving a nice crust.
02 - Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop to keep the sauce from separating.
03 - If you don't have fresh garlic, use 1 tsp garlic powder, but fresh is truly best!
04 - Serve with crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that amazing creamy sauce.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - meat mallet (optional)
03 - measuring cups and spoons
04 - whisk
05 - instant-read thermometer

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 30g

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