Rich, velvety, and full of comforting flavor, Chicken with White Sauce is a classic dish that never goes out of style. Tender, juicy chicken is smothered in a smooth and creamy white sauce made from butter, milk, garlic, and herbs—creating the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. This versatile recipe can be served over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables, making it ideal for cozy family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or even special occasions.
Ingredients
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 (about 6-8 oz / 170-225g each) |
|---|---|
| Salt | ½ teaspoon (divided) |
| Black Pepper | ¼ teaspoon (divided) |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Unsalted Butter | 1.5 tablespoons |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic Cloves | 3, minced |
| Chicken Broth | 1.5 cups (360 ml) |
| Dried Thyme | ½ teaspoon |
| Heavy Cream | ½ cup (120 ml) |
| Fresh Parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Optional: Grated Parmesan Cheese | 2 tablespoons |
| Optional: Mushrooms | 1 cup, sliced |
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts very dry with paper towels. Season both sides with ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet (preferably oven-safe if you're finishing in the oven, but not strictly necessary for this recipe) over medium-high heat.
- Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Sear for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F).
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm while you make the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy White Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 1.5 tablespoons unsalted butter to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken (these add flavor).
- Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the minced garlic (and optional sliced mushrooms if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (and mushrooms are softened). Do not let the garlic brown or burn.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour over the garlic and butter. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, adding a little at a time, continuously whisking to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally, until it thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in the dried thyme (and optional Parmesan cheese if using).
Step 3: Finish the Sauce and Combine
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the ½ cup heavy cream. Stir gently until well combined and heated through.
Season the sauce with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste.
- Important: Do not boil the sauce after adding the cream, as it can cause it to curdle. Just heat gently.
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve the Pan-Seared Chicken with Creamy Garlic-Herb White Sauce immediately with your favorite sides such as:
- Steamed rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (like asparagus or green beans)
Extra Tips for Success
- Pound Chicken Thinly (Optional): If your chicken breasts are very thick, pounding them to about ½-inch thickness ensures more even and quicker cooking. Place between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Don't Overcook Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out easily. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 74°C (165°F) and remove them promptly. Resting also helps keep them juicy.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs, use them! About 1 teaspoon of fresh minced thyme or rosemary. Add fresh herbs at the end for best flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash more broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, simmer gently for a few more minutes to reduce.
Nutritional Value
(per serving, based on 2 servings, without sides)
| Calories | 500-650 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40-50 grams |
| Fat | 35-50 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 10-15 grams |
| Fiber | 1-2 grams |
Benefits
- ✅ High in Protein: Lean chicken breast or thigh offers satisfying, muscle-supporting protein.
- ✅ Comforting & Satisfying: The creamy white sauce delivers rich flavor without being heavy.
- ✅ Versatile & Customizable: Works with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or low-carb options.
- ✅ Quick and Easy to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- ✅ Family-Friendly Favorite: Mild, creamy flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults.
Creamy, flavorful, and incredibly comforting, Chicken with White Sauce is a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to every table. Whether you serve it as a casual family dinner or dress it up for guests, this versatile recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Explore more creamy chicken recipes, easy dinner ideas, and one-pan meals on our site. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich, delicious dish that everyone will love.