Chicken In Spicy Cream Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a spicy creamy sauce with garlic, paprika, lemon, and half and half, making a flavorful dish perfect for comforting dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix garlic, paprika, and salt in a bowl.
- Rinse chicken and pat dry.
- Rub chicken with garlic mixture; let stand for 15 minutes.
- Cook in hot oil in a large skillet for 7 to 8 minutes or until browned on both sides.
- Mix half and half and lemon juice, then spoon over the chicken.
- Simmer, covered, for 1 hour or until tender, turning once.
- Place chicken on a warm serving dish.
- Spoon sauce over the chicken and garnish with parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic mixture longer than 15 minutes, or even overnight. If half and half is unavailable, you can substitute it with equal parts milk and heavy cream. Adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a twist, consider using boneless thighs instead of breasts, which can add moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken in spicy cream sauce over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For a comforting twist, serve alongside Creamed Chicken And Biscuits for a hearty dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it doesn't dry out. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in sauce for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken In Spicy Cream Sauce contains roughly 1291 calories, with 51g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (429% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2401mg per serving (104% 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 chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work well in this recipe and can add extra juiciness to the dish. Just ensure they are cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Thighs generally require a similar cooking time, but check for tenderness to ensure they are fully done.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of paprika and add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic mixture. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it to suit your heat preference, ensuring a flavorful kick without overpowering the dish.
What can I substitute for half and half?
If you don't have half and half on hand, a mixture of milk and heavy cream can be a great substitute. Use equal parts of each to achieve a similar consistency and richness. Alternatively, heavy cream alone can work, but you may want to dilute it slightly with milk for a lighter sauce.
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).