When you’re craving comfort food, a creamy and flavorful chicken in white sauce can hit the spot. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, velvety sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner. Below is a straightforward recipe that walks you through the process of creating this comforting meal from scratch. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is manageable and promises delicious results.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the White Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring to incorporate. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir in the heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Final Touches: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg (if using) until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm through.
Serve: Transfer the chicken breasts to serving plates. Spoon over any remaining sauce from the skillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
This chicken in white sauce is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it with steamed vegetables, over pasta, or alongside a simple salad for a complete meal. The creamy sauce, combined with the tender chicken, creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Tips and Variations
Creating the perfect chicken in white sauce is not just about following the recipe; it’s also about the little touches that make this dish uniquely yours. Here are some tips and variations to consider:
Tips for Perfect Results
Even Cooking: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, you can pound the thicker end slightly with a meat mallet to make the breasts of uniform thickness.
Prevent Lumps: When adding flour to make the roux (a mixture of fat and flour used to thicken sauces), ensure you cook it for a minute to remove the raw taste. Adding the liquid gradually and whisking continuously helps prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.
Low and Slow: Keep the heat at medium to medium-low when adding the cream to prevent it from curdling. A gentle simmer is key to a smooth sauce.
Variations to Try
Add Vegetables: For a more rounded meal, consider adding vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. Add these after the onions have softened but before adding the flour.
Different Cheeses: While Parmesan adds a nice nutty flavor to the sauce, you can experiment with other cheeses. Gruyere, white cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses can add different dimensions of flavor.
Herb Infusions: Infuse the sauce with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for an aromatic touch. Add these herbs when you add the chicken broth to let their flavors meld into the sauce.
Wine Deglaze: For an added depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the onions and garlic. Let it reduce slightly before adding the flour. This step adds a rich, complex background note to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of chicken in white sauce lies in its versatility. Here are a few serving suggestions to complement the creamy richness of the dish:
Pasta: Serve over a bed of linguine, fettuccine, or penne pasta. The sauce acts as a perfect coating for the pasta, making for a hearty meal.
Rice: A side of fluffy white or brown rice can soak up the delicious sauce, offering a comforting and satisfying pairing.
Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread makes for a great side to dip into the creamy sauce, ensuring you enjoy every last drop.
Chicken in white sauce is a classic dish that combines the simplicity of ingredients with the richness of flavor. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or incorporate some of the suggested variations, this dish is sure to delight. Remember, the best recipes are those made with care and tailored to your taste. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and make this dish your own. Bon Appétit!
