This Creamy Chicken Gloria is a comforting dish that’s easy to whip up. With tender chicken simmered in a rich and creamy sauce, it’s perfect for dinner!
You can serve it over rice or pasta, and trust me, you’ll want to soak up every drop of that sauce! I love making this on busy nights; it’s quick and feels like a warm hug. 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this dish since they’re tender and cook quickly. If you’re looking for a time-saver, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just add it to the sauce at the end to heat through!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you want a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms bring a lovely earthiness to the dish. If you’re not a fan, you could substitute with spinach or zucchini. They add a different flavor but still make for a tasty dish.
Parmesan Cheese: A classic for adding flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option works well.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
The chicken is the star here, and cooking it just right is key! Follow these steps for juicy chicken:
- Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken – this helps to sear the outside.
- Cook on medium-high heat, flipping halfway until both sides are golden brown and the juices run clear.
- If your chicken breasts are thick, you can butterfly them or use a meat mallet to pound them for more even cooking.
Resting the chicken for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender!
Creamy Chicken Gloria
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 25-30 minutes to cook, making it a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This is important so every bite is flavorful!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook until they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside, which usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft. The leftover bits in the pan will add great flavor!
4. Add Garlic and Mushrooms:
Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are nicely browned and tender.
5. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Be sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard (if using), and dried thyme. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes. It will thicken a little during this time.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Let everything heat together for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Finish and Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color. Serve the Creamy Chicken Gloria hot with your favorite sides like steamed vegetables, pasta, or rice. Enjoy your meal!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute. They’re juicier and more flavorful, plus they stay tender even if slightly overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time if the thighs are thicker; they may need an extra minute or two to cook through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative like cashew cream. You can also omit the cheese or use a nutritional yeast sprinkle to add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What Do I Do with Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrition. Just toss them in with the mushrooms and sauté until they’re tender before adding the sauce.
