Chicken in cream sauce is a dish that’s easy to make, yet it always looks elegant and delights with its rich flavor. This recipe is perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions. It cooks quickly, and the result always brings admiration. Today, we’ll guide you through making the classic chicken in cream sauce and share useful tips and interesting facts about this popular dish.
Chicken in Cream Sauce: A Little History
Chicken in cream sauce has European roots. The simplicity and availability of ingredients, along with the versatility of the sauce, have made this dish popular worldwide. The creamy sauce was traditionally used in French cuisine to highlight the tenderness of the meat. Today, chicken in cream sauce can be found on menus in restaurants around the world and is also a favorite in home kitchens.
Classic Recipe for Chicken in Cream Sauce: Ingredients
For 4 servings, you will need:
• Chicken fillet or thighs – 500 g
• Heavy cream (20–30% fat) – 200 ml
• Onion – 1 medium
• Garlic – 2 cloves
• Butter – 30 g
• Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp
• Salt, black pepper – to taste
• Italian herbs or paprika – optional
• Parsley or dill – for garnish
Step-by-Step Recipe for Chicken in Cream Sauce
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken, then pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Cut the chicken into small pieces or strips. This ensures even cooking.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat a mixture of vegetable and butter in a deep skillet.
- Add the chicken to the pan, season with a pinch of salt, and cook over medium heat until golden brown (5–7 minutes). After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Gradually pour in the cream, stirring continuously. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices to taste.
- In the same skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the chicken back to the sauce, stir well, and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes. This will allow the meat to become tender and the sauce to thicken.
- Add the chicken back to the sauce, stir well, and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes. This will allow the meat to become tender and the sauce to thicken.
- Final Serving:
Serve the chicken in cream sauce hot, garnished with fresh herbs. This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or fresh vegetables.
Useful Tips for Preparing Chicken in Cream Sauce
- Choosing the Chicken:
For a more delicate flavor, use chicken fillet. If you prefer juicier meat, opt for chicken thighs, which contain more fat and remain tender during cooking.- Cream:
Rich cream (20–30% fat) gives the sauce a creamy texture. To lower the calorie content, you can use lighter cream or substitute with a milk and sour cream mixture.- Spices:
Italian herbs, paprika, or nutmeg will enhance the flavor of the sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment by adding your favorite spices.- Sauce Consistency:
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can adjust it by adding a little water or chicken broth.- Additions:
You can enrich the sauce by adding mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach, which will make the dish both more interesting and nutritious.
Energy Value of Chicken in Cream Sauce
The calorie content of chicken in cream sauce depends on the ingredients used, their quantities, and the side dish. In the classic recipe, the key components are chicken meat, cream, and butter, making the dish hearty and filling.
Energy Value (per 100g):
• Calories: 180–220 kcal
• Protein: 14–18 g
• Fat: 13–16 g
• Carbohydrates: 2–4 g
Factors Influencing the Calorie Content of Chicken in Cream Sauce
- Chicken Meat:
Chicken fillet contains less fat compared to chicken thighs. Choosing the fillet part helps reduce the calorie content of the dish. - Cream:
Using cream with 20–30% fat increases the calorie content. To make the dish lighter, you can replace the cream with a lower-fat version (10–15%) or mix it with milk. - Butter:
Butter adds richness to the sauce but increases the calorie count. For a lighter version, use vegetable oil instead. - Side Dish:
Sides like mashed potatoes or pasta significantly increase the overall calorie content. A healthier alternative would be steamed vegetables or a salad.
How to Reduce the Calorie Content of Chicken in Cream Sauce?
- Use chicken fillet instead of thighs.
- Replace butter with minimal amounts of vegetable oil.
- Use lower-fat cream or substitute with milk.
- Serve the chicken with vegetable sides or whole-grain rice.
Benefits of Chicken in Cream Sauce
Chicken in cream sauce is a source of protein and calcium. The protein from chicken is essential for muscle recovery, while the cream provides healthy fats and vitamins (A, D, E). When consumed in moderation, this dish fits perfectly into a balanced diet.
Interesting Facts About Chicken in Cream Sauce
- Similar Dishes in Other Cuisines:
In French cuisine, a similar dish is Poulet à la crème, and in Italian cuisine, it’s called Pollo al burro. - Flavor Harmony:
Creamy sauce is considered versatile, as it pairs wonderfully not only with chicken but also with fish, vegetables, and even seafood. - Dietary Alternative:
For those who follow a healthy eating plan, you can use chicken breast and coconut milk instead of cream. - Sauce as a Base:
The creamy sauce from this recipe can be used as a base for pasta, casseroles, or other dishes.
Why You Should Try Making Chicken in Cream Sauce at Home?
Chicken in cream sauce is a dish that easily fits into any diet. It’s quick to prepare, and the ingredients are available at every store. This classic recipe is perfect for those who appreciate both simplicity and sophistication.
Homemade chicken in cream sauce always wins in taste over restaurant versions, as you can choose fresh ingredients and adjust the flavor and texture to your liking.
Try this classic chicken in cream sauce recipe to treat yourself and your loved ones. It will surely become a favorite dish at your table!
