- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the buttermilk, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
- Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Chapter 3: Cooking the Chicken
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Chapter 4: Making the Creamy Sauce
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the chicken is baking, start making the creamy sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the olive oil.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is thickened and smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chapter 5: Assembling and Serving
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the chicken breasts and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the sliced chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve the Tender Chicken Delight with your choice of cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Accompany the dish with steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal.
Chapter 6: Tips for Success
- Marinating: For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance its tenderness and flavor.
- Searing: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice golden-brown sear, which adds flavor and texture.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a bit more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Resting: Let the chicken rest after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Conclusion
This Tender Chicken Delight is a rich and satisfying dish that brings together tender, flavorful chicken with a luscious creamy sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its delightful taste and elegant presentation. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a comforting, delicious meal. Happy cooking!