Chicken with Crème Fraîche Sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken cutlets with a rich, creamy sauce that elevates every bite. If you’re looking for a new go-to recipe that feels both fancy and cozy, this one’s for you! The blend of garlic, mustard, and crème fraîche creates a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring this delicious recipe to life! You’re sure to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this scrumptious meal with you.
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This recipe shines not just in flavor but also in technique. Slicing the chicken cutlets ensures they cook evenly and remain moist, and the combination of mustards adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Crème fraîche provides a smooth, luscious texture that balances the savory components perfectly. Together, these elements create a dish that looks complex but is straightforward to prepare!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken with Crème Fraîche Sauce
First off, it’s indulgent yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce wraps around the chicken beautifully, making each bite deliciously satisfying. It’s versatile too; you can pair it with various sides, from pasta to rice or even roasted veggies. Plus, the cooking process fills your kitchen with inviting aromas that make everyone eager to sit at the table.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Cooking Oil
- 2 Tablespoon Butter (preferably unsalted)
- 2 cloves Garlic, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/4 cup White Wine (or chicken stock)
- 1/2 cup Chicken Stock, low-sodium
- 2 teaspoon Stone Ground Mustard
- 2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 3/4 cup Crème Fraîche
- 2 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Chopped Parsley (curly or flat-leaf)
Preparing the Chicken Cutlets
Slice Chicken Breasts for Even Cooking
Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets. This helps them cook quickly and uniformly. Aim for a thickness that ensures tenderness and promotes even cooking throughout.
Seasoning the Chicken
Next, season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper. This step enhances their flavor right from the beginning, ensuring a tasty base for your dish.
Cooking the Chicken
Sear Chicken Cutlets to Golden Perfection
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add cooking oil. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s time to add the seasoned chicken cutlets. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes total until they turn golden brown and are thoroughly cooked. If your skillet feels crowded, don’t hesitate to cook in batches; this guarantees everything cooks evenly.
Making the Crème Fraîche Sauce
Sauté Garlic and Thyme
With the chicken cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Now, add butter to the pan. Once it melts, sauté the chopped garlic and dried thyme for about a minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning. This little step adds so much flavor to your sauce.
Deglaze the Pan with White Wine
After the garlic is fragrant, pour in the white wine (or chicken stock). Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this is where some incredible flavor lives. Let it simmer for a minute, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully.
Create the Sauce Base
Next, add the low-sodium chicken stock into the pan and let everything simmer. Allow the liquid to reduce by half, which should take approximately 3 to 4 minutes. This reduction intensifies the sauce’s flavor, making every bite delectable.
Whisk in Mustards and Crème Fraîche
Then, it’s time to whisk in both the stone ground and Dijon mustard, along with the crème fraîche and lemon juice. Stir until everything is well mixed; for a thicker consistency, consider simmering a bit longer while stirring continuously.
Bringing it All Together
Return Chicken to the Sauce
It’s now time to bring your dish together! Gently place the cooked chicken cutlets back into the skillet. Spoon that rich sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated for an inviting look and taste.
Add Final Touches with Fresh Parsley
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Adding this herb not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds a delightful freshness. If you’d like, toss in a dash of cracked black pepper as well for an aromatic finish.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful Chicken with Crème Fraîche Sauce shines when paired with spaghetti, rice, or roasted potatoes. Each option complements the creamy sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying meal you’ll love.
Tips for Success
- Be sure to slice the chicken to an even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Don’t rush the sauce-making process; allowing it to reduce really concentrated flavors.
- Remember to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
Variations
Feel free to switch things up a bit! If chicken isn’t your preference, try using turkey or pork. You can also explore different herbs, like rosemary or tarragon, for unique flavor twists. If you want to avoid white wine, a splash of lemon juice works wonderfully as a non-alcoholic option.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you reheat, do so gently to preserve the sauce’s rich flavor and creamy texture.
Pairing Ideas
For a complete meal, liven things up with a fresh garden salad or sautéed seasonal vegetables. Don’t forget about the drink! A glass of dry white wine pairs perfectly with the dish, enhancing both the food and dining experience.
FAQs
What can I use instead of crème fraîche?
You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute, although this may slightly alter the taste.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best results.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It reheats beautifully, and the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just ensure your skillet is large enough, or cook in batches.
What sides pair well with Chicken with Crème Fraîche Sauce?
Popular options include rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, all of which complement the sauce exceptionally well.
Chicken with Crème Fraîche Sauce is an inviting dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its comforting notes and deliciously rich sauce, this recipe promises to be a beloved favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy every bite and feel the warmth of a home-cooked meal!
PrintChicken with Crème Fraîche Sauce
This Chicken with Crème Fraîche Sauce is an elegant yet easy dish, blending tender chicken with a creamy mustard sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Cooking Oil
- 2 Tablespoon Butter (preferably unsalted)
- 2 cloves Garlic, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/4 cup White Wine (or chicken stock)
- 1/2 cup Chicken Stock, low-sodium
- 2 teaspoon Stone Ground Mustard
- 2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 3/4 cup Crème Fraîche
- 2 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Chopped Parsley (curly or flat-leaf)
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets for even cooking.
- Season the cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and sauté garlic and thyme in butter.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping the bottom for flavor.
- Add chicken stock and simmer, reducing the liquid by half.
- Whisk in mustards, crème fraîche, and lemon juice.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating with the sauce, and sprinkle with parsley.
Notes
Slice chicken to an even thickness for tenderness.
Take your time in reducing the sauce for richer flavor.
Taste as you go to adjust seasoning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 100