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30-Minute Creamy Chicken Dinner

Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich cream sauce with aromatic onions and garlic for an easy one-skillet dinner ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid crowding). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
  2. Add finely chopped onion to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream and stir to combine.
  4. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat, adding 2-3 tablespoons broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Freezes for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Substitutions: Use chicken thighs for more moisture. White onions substitute for yellow. Whole milk can replace cream but will be thinner (add 1 tablespoon flour to thicken). Variations: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. A splash of white wine before adding broth adds depth. Finish with lemon juice for brightness.