Creamy Herb Chicken Garlic Butter (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Dairy

02 - Unsalted butter
03 - Heavy cream
04 - Grated Parmesan cheese

→ Produce

05 - Minced garlic cloves
06 - Fresh lemon juice
07 - Trimmed fresh green beans

→ Pantry Staples

08 - Olive oil
09 - Chicken broth
10 - Dijon mustard
11 - Jasmine or Basmati rice

→ Spices & Seasonings

12 - Garlic powder
13 - Dried thyme
14 - Dried basil
15 - Paprika
16 - Salt
17 - Black pepper
18 - Italian seasoning

# Instructions:

01 - Cook your chosen rice (jasmine or basmati) according to its package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside.
02 - Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, dried thyme, dried basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 74°C / 165°F). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
03 - Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), and Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken. Optionally, stir in fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
04 - Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy herb sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
05 - While the chicken finishes, steam or sauté the trimmed fresh green beans until they are just tender-crisp. Lightly season them with salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon.
06 - Arrange a bed of cooked rice on individual serving plates. Place the creamy herb chicken over the rice, spooning additional sauce on top. Serve the prepared green beans alongside for a complete meal.

# Notes:

01 - For a lighter alternative, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or incorporate Greek yogurt into the sauce.
02 - Enhance flavor and nutrients by adding vegetables such as sliced mushrooms or fresh spinach to the sauce during the simmering stage.
03 - If Dijon mustard is unavailable, a small pinch of dry mustard powder can be substituted in the sauce.
04 - For a subtle spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
05 - Always use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken's internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.