This Creamy Chicken Gloria is a simple and tasty dish, perfect for easy dinners. It’s made with tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy sauce that warms your heart and belly!
The best part? It comes together quickly, leaving you more time to relax. I love serving it over rice or pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce. Trust me, it’s a real crowd-pleaser! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here, but thighs work too! They’re juicier and add more flavor; just cook a little longer. For a veggie option, try using tofu or seitan instead.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce that luscious quality. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Both will still give you a creamy texture.
Mushrooms: They add wonderful flavor, but feel free to skip them if you’re not a fan or don’t have any on hand. Zucchini or spinach could be great veggie substitutions that will also blend well into the sauce.
Dijon Mustard: While optional, it adds a nice depth of flavor. You can swap it for yellow mustard if that’s what you have. Or skip it entirely for a milder taste!
How Can I Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky! Here’s how to avoid dry or undercooked pieces:
- Use a meat thermometer: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Sealing in moisture: Searing the chicken in olive oil or butter before adding it to the sauce helps keep it juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If cooking multiple pieces, make sure they’re evenly spaced for proper cooking.
With these tips, your chicken will always be juicy and tender, ready to shine in this creamy dish!
Creamy Chicken Gloria Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for flavor depth)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking, making it a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step will give your dish a great flavor base!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if you’re using them) and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and everything is fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. This will add even more flavor to your sauce! Next, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, thyme, and Dijon mustard (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the delicious sauce over them. Allow the chicken to warm through in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve this creamy chicken over cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a comforting and easy dinner!
FAQs for Creamy Chicken Gloria
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but it will still be creamy!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, but it’s best to store them separately until you’re ready to serve. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Enjoy it over fresh rice or pasta for a quick meal!
