Creamy Chicken and Herb Skillet

 Here’s a delicious and comforting recipe for Creamy Chicken and Herb Skillet:

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)

1 cup heavy cream (or for a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut cream)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup baby spinach (optional, for added greens)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, and paprika.

2. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Add the cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half/coconut cream). Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you want a richer sauce, stir in the butter at this point.

5. Add the chicken back: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

6. Optional spinach: If you're adding spinach, stir it into the sauce at the end of the cooking time, allowing it to wilt into the creamy sauce.

7. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. This dish goes well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips:

Make it lighter: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free option.

Add more herbs: For extra flavor, feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Extra flavor: For a slight tang, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice to the creamy sauce.

This Creamy Chicken and Herb Skillet is a comforting dish, full of rich, herb-infused flavor and a creamy sauce that pairs wonderfully with any side!