Of course! “Tender Chicken Delight” is a wonderfully versatile name that can refer to many dishes. I’ll provide a classic, foolproof recipe that lives up to the name, featuring a creamy, flavorful sauce and incredibly tender, juicy chicken.
This recipe is perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.
Creamy Garlic “Tender Chicken Delight”
This dish features pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, velvety sauce with garlic, herbs, and a touch of Parmesan.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
· 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), halved horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
· 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 cup chicken broth
· 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
· ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
· ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
· 2 cups fresh spinach (optional, for added nutrition)
For Garnish:
· Fresh parsley, chopped
· More grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dust both sides with flour, which will help create a golden crust and thicken the sauce later.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add Spinach (Optional): If using, stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts.
- Finish and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. Let it heat through for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
· For the Perfect Meal: Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad complements it perfectly.
· Sun-Dried Tomato Variation: Add ¼ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained) to the sauce along with the cream for a sweet and tangy twist.
· Mushroom Lover’s Delight: After removing the chicken, sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms in the butter until golden brown before adding the garlic.
· How to Keep Chicken Tender: The key is not to overcook it. Using thin cutlets ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to guarantee perfect results.
Enjoy your homemade Tender Chicken Delight! It’s sure to become a new family favorite.