Easy Chicken with Pan Sauce

Introduction

Easy Chicken with Pan Sauce

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dish to bring to your dinner table, Easy Chicken with Pan Sauce may just become your go-to recipe. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful pan sauce that elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, it’s a recipe packed with flavor and made from everyday ingredients that most people already have on hand.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Chicken breasts

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper

½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

All-purpose flour

¼ cup

Olive oil

3 tablespoons

Chicken broth

1 ¼ cup

Butter

2 tablespoons

Fresh parsley

2 teaspoons chopped (optional, for garnish)

Prep Time

Getting Started

This recipe comes together quickly with just the right amount of preparation. Plan about 10 minutes for getting your ingredients ready and prepped. The steps are simple, and the results are amazing.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cooking the Chicken and Making the Pan Sauce

The cook time for this Easy Chicken with Pan Sauce is approximately 25 minutes, which includes cooking the chicken and creating the rich, savory pan sauce with simple yet flavorful ingredients. In total, this recipe takes around 35 minutes to complete. The dish will serve about 4 people, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.

With this easy-to-make recipe, your table will be filled with warmth, great taste, and satisfaction. By using pantry staples and a streamlined cooking process, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the delightful pairing of tender chicken and a savory pan sauce in every bite!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. If the chicken breasts are overly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is well-heated before proceeding to the next step to achieve a good sear on the chicken.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook on each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken develops a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. The chicken might not be fully cooked at this point, which is fine since it will finish cooking later.

Step 4: Prepare the Pan Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Stir to incorporate any brown bits left in the skillet, as these provide added flavor to the sauce.

Step 5: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 6: Deglaze the Pan

Carefully add the chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to scrape up any additional browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will further enhance the flavor of your sauce.

Step 7: Add Heavy Cream

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Make sure to mix thoroughly to combine all the elements of the sauce.

Step 8: Return Chicken to the Pan

Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, along with any juices that may have accumulated on the plate. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat it.

Step 9: Simmer the Dish

Cover the skillet and allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 10: Serve

Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove it from the heat. Serve the chicken breasts with the pan sauce drizzled over them. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Chicken Thickness

If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, it’s beneficial to pound them to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents some parts from drying out while other parts remain undercooked.

Customize the Seasoning

Feel free to use other seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder if you wish to enhance the flavor of the chicken even further.

Gluten-Free Option

This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring that all ingredients, such as the chicken broth, are certified gluten-free.

Substitutions for Heavy Cream

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream if desired, but the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy.

Additional Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added to the sauce for extra flavor. You can also finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy kick.

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
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Cook Techniques

Searing the Chicken

Ensure your skillet is preheated well to achieve a golden-brown sear on the chicken. This step locks in the flavor and enhances the texture of the dish.

Deglazing the Pan

Deglaze the pan using stock or broth to lift the browned bits at the bottom created during searing. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce.

Reducing the Sauce

Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce until it thickens slightly. This will intensify the flavor and create a rich, velvety consistency.

Cooking Chicken Evenly

Pound the chicken to an even thickness before cooking to ensure that it cooks quickly and uniformly, avoiding dry or undercooked areas.

Tasting and Adjusting the Sauce

Taste the pan sauce before serving. Add salt, pepper, or additional seasoning as necessary to balance the flavors perfectly.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. They may require slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content and thicker size.

What can I use if I don’t have chicken stock?

You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock or even water in a pinch. Be aware this may slightly alter the flavor profile.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the chicken is best served fresh, you can make the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

How do I ensure the sauce isn’t too thin?

Let the sauce simmer until it reduces and thickens. If it’s still too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and whisk it in to thicken.

What type of skillet should I use?

A heavy-bottomed skillet, such as cast iron or stainless steel, works best for this recipe. These help to hold and distribute heat evenly for a better sear.

Can I add more ingredients to the sauce?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients such as garlic, mushrooms, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the flavor of the sauce.

Conclusion

This easy chicken with pan sauce recipe is a perfect choice for a quick and flavorful meal. The balance of simplicity, rich flavors, and versatile accompaniments makes it an excellent dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or feeding guests, this recipe provides a tasty option without demanding too much time or effort in the kitchen.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Pair this chicken with creamy garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal. The richness of the pan sauce complements the smooth and flavorful potatoes perfectly.

Steamed Vegetables

Serve with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus to add a healthy and fresh touch to the dish.

Rice Pilaf

Try adding a light and fragrant rice pilaf on the side to soak up the delicious pan sauce and round out the meal.

Buttered Noodles

Simple buttered noodles or even herbed pasta can make an excellent sponge for the flavorful sauce from the chicken.

Fresh Garden Salad

A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette can bring balance to the richness of the pan sauce chicken, creating a lighter dining experience.

Crusty Bread

Adding a piece of warm crusty bread allows you to savor every last drop of the flavorful sauce and creates a rustic, hearty pairing.