Description
Creamy Herb Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a smooth plant-based cream sauce, fresh herbs, and the smoky crunch of turkey bacon for a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal ideal for busy weeknights. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a rich yet light dish with aromatic freshness and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, lean and tender
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into small pieces
Sauce and Aromatics
- 1 cup plant-based cream
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Herbs
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the garlic, shallots, and fresh herbs. Slice the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces and season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper to prepare for cooking.
- Cook the Turkey Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon pieces and cook until crispy and browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside to maintain the smoky crunch.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: In the same skillet, add the chopped garlic and shallots. Sauté until fragrant and golden. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until nicely seared on both sides but not fully cooked through.
- Create the Creamy Herb Sauce: Pour plant-based cream into the skillet with the chicken. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of natural gelling agent. Stir gently to combine, then add the fresh thyme, parsley, and chives. Let the sauce simmer gently, coating the chicken thoroughly.
- Finish Cooking and Serve: Return the cooked turkey bacon to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your preferred consistency. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and tender meat.
- Do not rush browning; a good sear enhances flavor and texture.
- Fresh herbs brighten the aroma and flavor more than dried.
- Adjust the sauce thickness gradually by adding the natural gelling agent little by little.
- Allow the chicken to rest briefly after cooking to retain juices.
- Garnish with extra chopped fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil (natural) before serving.
- Serve with fluffy rice, plant-based buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of plant-based cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: creamy herb chicken, plant-based cream sauce, quick dinner, turkey bacon, fresh herbs, gluten free
