Chicken Breasts In Cream Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts in a rich, creamy sauce with pimentos, perfect for a comforting dinner that pairs well with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bake, covered, in an oven preheated to 350°F for 35 minutes.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan.
- Add the flour and stir well, cooking for a couple of minutes without browning.
- Gradually add hot chicken stock and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth.
- Add chopped pimentos and cream to the sauce, stirring to combine.
- Serve the chicken breasts topped with the cream sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before baking. If you don’t have pimentos, roasted red peppers can be a great substitute. To thicken the sauce further, whisk in a little cornstarch dissolved in water. For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad, such as Diane'S Chicken Spinach Salad. For a heartier option, serve it over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious cream sauce. A glass of white wine complements the flavors nicely, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken and cream sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. You can also microwave it in shorter intervals, covered, to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breasts In Cream Sauce contains roughly 645 calories, with 20g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 541mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and can add more moisture and flavor. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten the recipe, use skinless chicken breasts and reduce the butter in the sauce. You can substitute half and half for the cream or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Additionally, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a nutritious balance.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the chicken ahead of time and prepare the cream sauce separately. Just combine them when ready to serve. This way, the flavors meld beautifully, and you can simply reheat the dish before serving for a quick meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).