Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, yet surprisingly simple to make? Then you've come to the right place! This Poppy Seed Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. It's one of those delicious dishes that tastes far more complicated than it actually is – a true testament to the magic of homemade cooking. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meal game!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. This simple step ensures perfectly seasoned chicken every time.
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Sauté the chicken: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches may be necessary for even browning.
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Add aromatics: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Create the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream, poppy seeds, and lemon juice. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy poppy seed sauce. Heat through for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This easy recipe is best served hot, with your favorite side dishes.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Poppy Seed Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and paprika to your liking.
- Thicken the sauce: If your sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. A cornstarch slurry can also be used if needed.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a little kick.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to make this a more complete meal.
- Use different protein: This recipe can easily be adapted to use pork or shrimp instead of chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s a healthy meal option that's packed with flavor. The creamy poppy seed sauce is simply irresistible, and the entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Give this quick dinner idea a try and enjoy the compliments! It’s one of those best recipes that's sure to become a family favorite.