Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Angel Chicken is a wonderfully rich and creamy dish with tender chicken simmered in a luxurious sauce. The sauce is made with butter and cream, creating a smooth, comforting texture that coats the chicken beautifully. The addition of garlic, lemon, and herbs gives it an aromatic punch without overpowering the delicate flavors of the chicken. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite sides. Perfect for busy weeknights or for when you want to treat yourself to something special, Angel Chicken delivers on flavor and comfort.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, or substitute with chicken broth)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

  • Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

2. Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

  • If using white wine, pour it in now and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly. If you prefer to skip the wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth.

  • Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and thyme to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

3. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

  • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat it, and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the chicken is heated through and fully coated in the creamy sauce.

4. Finish and Serve:

  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and thicken it slightly.

  • Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

  • Serve the chicken breasts on plates and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 servings

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 20 minutes

  • Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Add Vegetables: You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

  • Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.

  • Add Spices: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or season the chicken with a pinch of cayenne pepper before cooking.

  • Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce, though it will be less rich and creamy.

  • Herb Variations: If you don’t have thyme, you can use rosemary, oregano, or basil for different flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: This dish can be frozen, though the cream sauce may separate slightly when reheated. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 2-3 months.

  • Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help restore the sauce’s creamy texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well for this recipe. They’re slightly more flavorful and tender, so adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through completely.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just store the chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator, and reheat everything together when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can use milk, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich. If you want to mimic the creaminess of heavy cream, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the butter and garlic mixture to help thicken the sauce.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

While fresh garlic gives the best flavor, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. About 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder will substitute for the two cloves of fresh garlic.

Can I make this dish without wine?

Yes! If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with more chicken broth or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for a bit of acidity.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the sauce during the simmering process. Sauté mushrooms in the same pan before making the sauce or stir spinach into the sauce at the end for added texture.

Conclusion

Angel Chicken is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender chicken is coated in a luscious, flavorful sauce that’s balanced with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for a special meal. Whether served over pasta, rice, or on its own, this dish is sure to impress and become a favorite in your dinner rotation!

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Angel Chicken

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Comfort Food
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Angel Chicken is a creamy and indulgent chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich and velvety sauce made with butter, cream, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. This comforting dish is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with vegetables for a meal that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, or substitute with chicken broth)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken:

    • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

    • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

  • Make the Sauce:

    • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

    • If using white wine, pour it in and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly. If you prefer to skip the wine, substitute it with chicken broth.

    • Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

  • Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

    • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the chicken is heated through and fully coated in the creamy sauce.

  • Finish and Serve:

    • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt into the sauce, thickening it slightly.

    • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

    • Serve the chicken breasts on plates and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Add Vegetables: For added flavor and nutrition, you can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables to the sauce.Chicken Thighs Option: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little heat.Make It Lighter: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.Herb Variations: If you don’t have thyme, you can use rosemary, oregano, or basil for a different flavor profile.

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