This Creamy Chicken Gloria is a cozy meal that’s easy to whip up! It features tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with mushrooms and a touch of garlic.
The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes! I love to serve it over rice or pasta, and it’s a hit at family dinner night. Your taste buds will thank you! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. However, you can substitute with thighs for extra juiciness, or even use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add great flavor. If you don’t have them, canned mushrooms will work. For a twist, try using spinach or asparagus instead.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or almond milk, but the texture will be less thick.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor. If you can’t find Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast can make a nice alternative for vegan diets.
How Do I Cook Chicken So It’s Perfectly Juicy?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s my secret for juicy, tender results. It’s all about not overcooking!
- Preheat your skillet before adding the chicken for a nice sear.
- Cook on medium-high heat and avoid flipping too much to get that nice golden color.
- Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F or 75°C), remove it from the pan to prevent drying out.
< li>Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This helps the juices redistribute!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gloria
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Chicken Gloria takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. In just around 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. This will give them great flavor!
2. Brown the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Brown them for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook everything until the mushrooms are tender and have a nice golden color, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Be sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet, as they add lovely flavor! Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and thyme. Cook and stir for about 3-5 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken a little.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes to meld all those delicious flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve your Creamy Chicken Gloria over cooked pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Enjoy your creamy creation!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor to the dish. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for the best results, and adjust cooking time as needed until they reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the Parmesan, you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the mushrooms. Just sauté them until tender before adding the chicken broth to enhance the dish’s texture and flavor!