5 Delicious Chicken Cream Sauce Recipes You'll Love

Chicken with cream sauce is an irresistible combination, offering a versatile palette for chefs and home cooks to explore. The comforting richness of cream paired with the tender, flavorful chicken results in dishes that warm the soul and delight the palate. Here's an exploration into five exquisite recipes that make Chicken Cream Sauce a weeknight staple and a special occasion highlight.

1. Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Begin your culinary adventure with a dish that combines the earthy taste of mushrooms with the crispiness of Parmesan. Here’s how to make it:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
• For the sauce:
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dip the chicken in melted butter, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken until golden. Bake until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
4. For the sauce, sauté garlic and mushrooms in the same skillet until mushrooms release their moisture. Add cream, Parmesan, and thyme, letting it simmer until thickened.
5. Serve the chicken topped with the creamy mushroom sauce.

🍄 Note: If you want a more intense flavor, consider using chanterelles or porcini mushrooms.

2. Lemon Chicken with Asparagus in Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

This dish is perfect for when you’re craving something both light and luxurious:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and dredge in flour.
2. In a skillet, heat oil and butter, cook chicken until browned on both sides. Remove chicken.
3. Add garlic to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds, then add chicken broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add asparagus, simmer for 3-4 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it cook through in the sauce.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve.

🍋 Note: Adding a splash of white wine before the broth can enhance the flavor profile of the sauce.

3. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Take a flavor journey with this rich and hearty dish:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup spinach, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg
• For the sauce:
  • 1 cup tomato passata
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg for the stuffing.
3. Cut a pocket in each chicken breast, stuff with the spinach mixture, and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
4. Season chicken and sear until golden. Prepare the sauce in the same skillet by sautéing onions and garlic, then adding tomato passata, cream, oregano, and salt. Simmer until thickened.
5. Place chicken in a baking dish, pour over sauce, and bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through.

🧀 Note: Ensure to not overstuff the chicken as the filling might leak out during cooking.

4. Chicken and Bacon Potato Gratin with Creamy Bechamel

A comforting gratin with a creamy Bechamel sauce:

• 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup grated Cheddar
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly add milk while continuously whisking. Once thickened, add cheeses, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Layer potatoes, chicken, and bacon in a baking dish, cover with Bechamel sauce, and bake for 45-50 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is golden.

🥔 Note: For a less calorie-heavy dish, you can substitute some milk with broth in the Bechamel sauce.

5. Chicken Marsala with Creamy Marsala Sauce

Experience the warmth of Italian cooking with this classic dish:

• 4 chicken cutlets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 3/4 cup Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Steps:

1. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour.
2. In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter with oil, cook chicken until browned. Remove chicken.
3. Add mushrooms, cook until tender, then deglaze with Marsala wine. Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then stir in cream. Return chicken, cook until done, and finish with the remaining butter for a glossy sauce.

🍷 Note: Authentic Marsala sauce uses dry Marsala wine, but if you prefer a sweeter sauce, use a semi-sweet variety.

In summary, these five Chicken Cream Sauce recipes offer a spectrum of flavors, from the comforting earthiness of mushroom sauce to the zesty brightness of lemon asparagus, making chicken an exciting protein to work with. Whether for an elegant dinner or a hearty family meal, each recipe showcases the versatility and luxuriousness of cream-based sauces. Try these at home, and you'll find yourself returning to them time and time again for their comforting richness.

What type of cream is best for these sauces?

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Heavy cream, also known as whipping cream, is ideal for these recipes due to its high fat content which creates a rich, stable sauce. Light cream can also be used, but the sauce will be lighter.

Can these sauces be prepared in advance?

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Yes, you can make the sauce components ahead of time. Most cream sauces can be refrigerated and reheated gently, though you might need to add a little cream or broth to adjust the consistency.

How can I make the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken crispier?

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For a crispier crust, try adding panko breadcrumbs to the mixture. Also, ensure that the chicken is not overcrowded in the pan, and you could double-dip in the egg and breadcrumb mixture for extra crunch.

What should I do if my cream sauce is too thin?

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If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it a bit longer to reduce, or you can create a slurry with cornstarch and a little water, then whisk it into the sauce to thicken it.