Craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this authentic Pollo a la Crema recipe! This creamy chicken dish is a classic for a reason – tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich, luscious sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's surprisingly quick to prepare, making it one of the best recipes for busy weeknights. Let's dive into this easy recipe!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the most novice home cooks.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Perfection
This Pollo a la Crema recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.
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Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth until smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
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Add Herbs and Cheese: Stir in the oregano, thyme, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they're fully coated in the creamy sauce. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Pollo a la Crema Success
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This will ensure that the chicken browns properly and doesn't steam.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste. Fresh herbs and good quality heavy cream will make a noticeable difference.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs, salt, and pepper to your preference.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a longer period or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce.
Variations: Expand Your Culinary Horizons
This recipe provides a fantastic base for experimentation. Try these variations for a unique twist:
- Add vegetables: Incorporate sauteed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers into the sauce for added flavor and nutrients.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses such as Asiago, Fontina, or provolone.
- Lemon zest: Add a touch of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This quick dinner idea, a healthy and delicious meal, is perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy your homemade Pollo a la Crema!