Creamy Pan-Fried Chicken Recipe

Are you looking for a comforting and delicious meal that will bring everyone to the table with smiles? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Creamy Pan Fried Chicken. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the crispy goodness of pan-fried chicken with a rich and creamy gravy that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds.

I stumbled upon this Creamy Pan Fried Chicken recipe during one of those hectic weeks when I needed a dinner that was both satisfying and stress-free. The first time I made it, the aroma filled my kitchen, bringing back fond memories of family meals and cozy Sundays. The crispy chicken paired with the velvety gravy was an instant hit with my loved ones, satisfying even the pickiest eaters.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia with each bite. The trick is to cook the chicken to golden perfection over medium heat, allowing it to develop that perfect crunch while staying juicy inside. And let’s not forget about the dreamy gravy that ties everything together – it’s so flavorful and comforting, you’ll want to pour it over everything on your plate. Get ready to create a memorable meal that will have your family and friends raving about your cooking skills!

Quick Benefits

• Family Favorite: Satisfies nostalgic cravings and picky eaters, making it a hit with both adults and kids.
• Efficient Cooking: One-pan recipe that doesn’t require constant attention, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Versatile Pairings: Goes well with various sides – mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or bread, offering flexibility for serving preferences.
• Customizable Flavors: Easily adaptable with different herbs, spice blends, or additional ingredients like mushrooms for a personalized touch.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pan-Fried Chicken Recipe Recipe

• Family Favorite: This recipe is sure to please even those with high standards, like the blogger’s husband who grew up on his grandmother’s fried chicken.
• Nostalgic Comfort: The rich gravy and aroma of this dish can evoke memories of childhood, making it a heartwarming and nostalgic meal.
• Kid-approved: Even picky eaters, like the blogger’s sister’s children, asked for seconds and loved the flavorful gravy.
• Convenient One-Pan Meal: Using the same pan for cooking the chicken and making the gravy not only saves time but also ensures all the crispy bits and flavors are mixed into the sauce.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or with crusty bread – making it adaptable to different preferences.
• Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or even mushrooms to the gravy for a variety of flavors and textures.
• Easy Leftovers: The dish keeps well in the fridge, offering a convenient meal option for a few days with a simple reheating tip to maintain the gravy consistency.

Ingredients for Creamy Pan-Fried Chicken Recipe

Chicken and Coating

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast, butterflied

Creamy Gravy

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

How to Make Creamy Pan-Fried Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts in a butterfly style to create thinner, even pieces. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then let sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Step 2: Set Up Flour Coating

Mix 1 cup of flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish to create a seasoned coating for the chicken.

Step 3: Coat and Fry Chicken

Coat each chicken piece in seasoned flour mixture. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter and olive oil. Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Remove Chicken

After cooking the chicken until fully cooked and crispy, transfer it to a plate. Keep the skillet with the browned bits to make the gravy.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Gravy

In the skillet, add minced garlic and flour. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant and a paste forms. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season the gravy with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and creamy for about 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken back to the skillet or pour the gravy over the chicken. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice immediately.

Storage Tips

After making Creamy Pan Fried Chicken, you can store leftovers in the fridge for a few days. Keep in mind that the crispy coating on the chicken may lose its crunchiness when reheated. To reheat, it’s best to use an oven or toaster oven to help revive some of that crispiness. Alternatively, you can use a skillet on the stovetop, being mindful not to overcook the chicken.

When reheating the creamy gravy, you may notice that it has thickened up in the fridge. To restore the right consistency, add a splash of milk or chicken broth while reheating. This will help loosen up the gravy and bring it back to its creamy texture. Properly reheating the dish will ensure that you can enjoy the flavors and textures of this comforting meal even on subsequent days.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make this creamy pan-fried chicken recipe a bit lighter, you can consider some ingredient substitutions. Instead of heavy whipping cream, you could use half-and-half or whole milk for a slightly lighter sauce while still maintaining creaminess. Additionally, if you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut cream can be used as a substitute for the heavy whipping cream. This would impart a subtle coconut flavor to the dish, adding a unique twist to the gravy.

To make this recipe gluten-free, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for coating the chicken. This simple substitution allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this delicious dish without compromising on flavor or texture. Additionally, for a lower-carb alternative, you could use almond flour or coconut flour in place of the flour in the gravy to thicken it while keeping it keto-friendly. These substitutions provide flexibility for individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences, making it a versatile dish for various eating lifestyles.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving this creamy pan-fried chicken over a bed of fluffy Parmesan risotto. The creamy gravy will seep into the risotto, adding an extra layer of richness and flavor. Garnish with some chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Another unique way to enjoy this dish is to shred the pan-fried chicken and use it as a filling for homemade crepes. Spoon the creamy gravy over the filled crepes, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish. Top with some extra sauce and a sprinkle of grated cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. This elegant presentation will surely impress your dinner guests and elevate this comfort food classic to a whole new level.

FAQs for Creamy Pan-Fried Chicken Recipe

Can I use a different type of meat besides chicken breast?

Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken like thighs or drumsticks in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the meat.

Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy whipping cream. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy, but it will still be delicious.

How can I prevent burning the chicken while pan-frying?

To prevent burning, make sure to cook the chicken over medium heat and avoid cranking up the heat. This will allow the chicken to cook through evenly without burning the coating.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?

You can prepare the chicken and gravy ahead of time, but it’s best to fry the chicken and make the gravy just before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the coating. Reheat the chicken and gravy separately and combine them right before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Creamy Pan Fried Chicken is not just a delicious meal but a heartwarming dish that brings back memories and creates new ones around the dinner table. The creamy gravy paired with perfectly cooked chicken is a winning combination that has impressed even the pickiest of eaters. Remember, patience is key when pan-frying the chicken to achieve that golden crispiness without burning it.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe – add your favorite herbs, spices, or even some mushrooms to elevate the flavors. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this Creamy Pan Fried Chicken is sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. So gather your loved ones, savor each bite, and enjoy the comforting goodness that this dish brings to your home.

Creamy Pan-Fried Chicken Recipe

Creamy pan-fried chicken with rich gravy, a nostalgic dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time40 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 chicken breasts)

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast, butterflied

Creamy Gravy

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in a butterfly style to create thinner, even pieces. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then let sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning.
2. Set Up Flour Coating: Mix 1 cup of flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish to create a seasoned coating for the chicken.
3. Coat and Fry Chicken: Coat each chicken piece in seasoned flour mixture. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter and olive oil. Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove Chicken: After cooking the chicken until fully cooked and crispy, transfer it to a plate. Keep the skillet with the browned bits to make the gravy.
5. Make the Creamy Gravy: In the skillet, add minced garlic and flour. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant and a paste forms. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Season and Serve: Season the gravy with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and creamy for about 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken back to the skillet or pour the gravy over the chicken. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice immediately.