Creamy Chicken Sauce Recipes: Your Ultimate Guide

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Chicken breast with creamy sauce on a white plate, garnished with fresh herbs.
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Discover a world of flavor with these creamy chicken sauce recipes. From classic white sauces to vibrant, globally-inspired variations, we’ve got the perfect sauce to elevate your chicken dishes.

Introduction: The Magic of Creamy Chicken Sauce

There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy chicken sauce. It’s the kind of sauce that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a special occasion. I remember growing up, my mom would make a creamy mushroom chicken dish every Sunday, and it was always the highlight of the week. This collection of creamy chicken sauce recipes is inspired by that memory and my desire to recreate that same feeling of warmth and satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy sauce for a busy weeknight or a more elaborate creation for a weekend feast, you’ll find the perfect recipe here.

Ingredients and Substitutions for Creamy Chicken Sauce Recipes

This section outlines the basic ingredients for a standard creamy chicken sauce. Feel free to adapt these to specific recipes later in the article.

  • Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and flavor. You can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
  • All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Creates the roux, which thickens the sauce. A gluten-free blend can be used as a substitute.
  • Chicken Broth (2 cups): Forms the base of the sauce. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
  • Heavy Cream (1 cup): Provides the creamy texture. Half-and-half or milk can be substituted for a lighter sauce, but the consistency will be thinner.
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances the flavors of the sauce.
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Step-by-Step Instructions for a Classic Creamy Chicken Sauce

  1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. 
Melted butter in a saucepan, glistening under the heat.
Butter sizzling in a pan—the first step to a rich sauce.
  1. Make the Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and light golden brown. This mixture is called a roux, and it’s the foundation of your creamy sauce.
A whisk stirring a golden roux in a saucepan.
A golden roux forms the base of this creamy sauce.
  1. Whisk in the Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken. 
Chicken broth being whisked into a roux in a saucepan.
Slowly whisking in broth ensures a smooth and lump-free sauce.
  1. Add the Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. 
A saucepan with thick, creamy sauce simmering gently.
A smooth and rich sauce coming together beautifully.
  1. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
A bowl of creamy chicken sauce with a spoon on the side.
A luscious and versatile sauce, perfect for any dish.

Tips and Variations for Creamy Chicken Sauce Recipes

  • Add Herbs and Spices: Elevate your creamy chicken sauce with fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. A pinch of paprika or garlic powder can also add depth of flavor.
  • Incorporate Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyère cheese for extra richness and flavor.
  • Create a Creamy Mushroom Sauce: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter before making the roux for a delicious creamy mushroom chicken sauce.
  • Make a Creamy Dijon Sauce: Whisk in a tablespoon or two of Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy creamy chicken sauce.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Sauce (Variation)

A plate of fettuccine Alfredo with chicken, garnished with Parmesan.
A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with tender chicken.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Alfredo

  • Fettuccine pasta (1 pound)
  • Cooked chicken breast, diced (2 cups)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup)
  • Garlic, minced (2 cloves)

Making Creamy Chicken Alfredo

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the Alfredo sauce following the steps for the classic creamy sauce. Add the minced garlic along with the broth.
  3. Once the sauce is thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  4. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Sauce (Variation)

A skillet filled with creamy Tuscan chicken sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach bring vibrant flavor to this creamy sauce.

Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Sauce

  • Sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (½ cup)
  • Spinach, chopped (1 cup)

Making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Sauce

  1. Prepare the classic creamy chicken sauce.
  2. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
  3. Simmer for a few minutes, until the spinach is wilted.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover creamy chicken sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the sauce to separate.

A glass container of leftover creamy chicken sauce, sealed and labeled.
Keep leftovers fresh with proper storage techniques.

Let’s Connect!

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Which creamy chicken sauce recipe are you most excited to try? Share your feedback, tips, and creative variations in the comments below!

FAQ: Your Creamy Chicken Sauce Questions Answered

How to make sauce more creamy?

Increase the amount of heavy cream or incorporate cream cheese or mascarpone for a richer, creamier texture.

Can I use milk instead of cream for creamy sauce?

Yes, you can use milk, but the sauce will be thinner. Consider using whole milk for the best results, and you might need to thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry.

How do you make creamy chicken sauce thicker?

To thicken a creamy chicken sauce, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk this mixture into the simmering sauce and cook until it reaches your desired thickness.

How to make a simple creamy garlic sauce?

Sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant. Then, follow the steps for the classic creamy sauce, incorporating the garlic-infused butter.

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A bowl of creamy chicken sauce with a spoon on the side.

Creamy Chicken Sauce Recipes: Your Ultimate Guide

  • Author: Clara Morgan
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat
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Description

This Creamy Chicken Sauce is rich, velvety, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, mixing into pasta, or serving as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Make the roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and light golden brown.
  • Whisk in the broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
  • Add the cream: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  • Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
  • Stir in grated Parmesan or Gruyère for a cheesy variation.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Protein: 4 g

Keywords: creamy chicken sauce, easy chicken sauce, homemade white sauce

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