A rich and comforting French-style chicken dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
If you’re in the mood for a warm, comforting meal that feels both elegant and homestyle, this Tender Chicken in Creamy Sauce is just what you need. Known in French as Poulet Moelleux en Sauce Crémeuse, this dish features juicy, seared chicken simmered in a luxurious garlic and herb cream sauce. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests.
⏱️ Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serves: 4
- Cuisine: French-inspired comfort food
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
🧂 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or crème fraîche)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
- ½ tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter.
- Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Let the broth simmer for 3–4 minutes, reducing slightly.
3. Add Cream & Simmer
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
4. Finish and Serve
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
🍽️ Best Side Dishes
Pair your tender chicken in creamy sauce with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
- Rice or buttered noodles
- Crusty French bread to mop up the sauce
- Roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or asparagus
✅ Tips for Success
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture.
- Don’t rush the sear: Let the chicken get a golden crust before flipping.
- Deglaze the pan well: This ensures all the flavor goes into your sauce.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.
🥗 Dietary Adaptations
- Low Carb/Keto: Skip the flour and serve with cauliflower mash or zoodles.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure broth and Dijon mustard are gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free butter.
🧑🍳 Recipe Variations
- Mushroom Cream Sauce: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms before adding broth.
- Spinach Cream Sauce: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the final simmer.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Herb Upgrade: Try fresh tarragon or sage for a different aromatic profile.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Do not freeze if using dairy cream, as it may separate. Use crème fraîche or evaporated milk if you plan to freeze.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Dish
Rich, velvety sauce full of comforting flavor
- Customizable with add-ins like mushrooms or spinach
- Minimal ingredients but maximum elegance
- A dish that’s both rustic and refined
📝 Conclusion
Tender Chicken in Creamy Sauce (Poulet Moelleux en Sauce Crémeuse) is one of those comforting, heartwarming dishes that never go out of style. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or a romantic meal for two, this creamy, garlicky masterpiece checks all the boxes: simple ingredients, big flavor, and guaranteed satisfaction.
