Description
Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinner – This recipe is a keeper! Tender chicken, rich sauce, and minimal fuss for a busy night. You’ll want to save this one, trust me!
Ingredients
Scale
- Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinner Main Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Flavor Boosters for Your Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinner:
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Garnish & Finishing Touches:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Optional Make-It-Special Items:
- 1–2 handfuls baby spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:: First things first, let’s get that chicken ready for our Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinner. Pat your chicken breasts super dry with paper towels – this helps them get a beautiful sear. Then, season them generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of that smoked paprika. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it really builds the flavor from the start. I usually do this on a cutting board, and yes, sometimes I get seasoning all over the counter, but that’s just part of the cooking adventure, right? Make sure every piece is coated; that’s your flavor foundation!
- Sear the Chicken:: Now, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan. Don’t overcrowd it, or they won’t brown properly – you might need to do this in batches. Let them sear for about 4-6 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. I love the smell of that browning chicken; it fills the kitchen and always makes my stomach rumble! Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent it loosely with foil. This lets it rest and keeps it juicy.
- Sauté Aromatics & Build Flavor:: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the same skillet, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the bottom – that’s pure flavor, folks! Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened. Then, toss in your minced garlic and dried Italian herbs. Stir them around for about a minute until fragrant. Honestly, this is where the kitchen starts smelling absolutely divine! Don’t let the garlic burn; that’s an oops moment you want to avoid, trust me, I’ve been there and it’s not fun.
- Create the Creamy Sauce:: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan again to get all those flavorful bits. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it reduce slightly for about 3-5 minutes. This concentrates the broth’s flavor. Then, stir in the Dijon mustard and the heavy cream. Whisk gently until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken a bit. This is the heart of your Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinner! It should smell rich and inviting. If you’re adding sun-dried tomatoes, now’s the time to stir them in.
- Simmer & Finish:: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the glorious creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and absorb all those wonderful flavors. If you’re adding baby spinach, toss it in now and let it wilt down into the sauce. I love watching the spinach disappear into the creamy goodness. Make sure the chicken is heated through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve It Up:: Once your Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinner is bubbling and looking absolutely irresistible, remove it from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The vibrant green of the parsley against the creamy sauce just looks so inviting. Serve immediately with your favorite sides – maybe some fluffy rice or a crusty baguette to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. Enjoy this little moment of delicious calm you’ve created!