Looking for a cozy dinner with a delicious twist? This creamy chicken with pickles combines tender pieces of chicken breast with a rich, velvety cream sauce and the refreshing tang of pickles. The slightly salty, tangy flavor of the pickles perfectly balances the richness of the sauce, creating a surprisingly delicious combination.
It’s an easy 25-minute dinner made with simple ingredients and a wonderful way to add something different to your everyday family meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A delicious flavor combination: Tangy pickles balance the richness of the cream, giving the sauce a unique and irresistible flavor.
- Quick and easy: This dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare and uses everyday ingredients.
- Versatile: Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or fluffy buckwheat for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | US Measurements | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast | 1.1–1.3 lb | 500–600 g |
| Dill pickles or brined pickles | 2–3 medium | 2–3 medium |
| Heavy cream or light cream | ¾–1 cup | 200–250 ml |
| Garlic | 2–3 cloves | 2–3 cloves |
| Onion (optional) | 1 medium | 1 medium |
| Butter | 1½ tbsp | 20 g |
| Vegetable oil | 1–2 tbsp | 15–30 ml |
| Chicken broth or water | ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp | 100 ml |
| Salt | To taste | To taste |
| Ground black pepper | To taste | To taste |
| Paprika | To taste | To taste |
| Dried dill | To taste | To taste |
| Fresh parsley or dill | For garnish | For garnish |
Instructions
1. Prepare the ingredients
Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.
Finely dice the pickles. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion if using.
2. Brown the chicken
Heat the vegetable oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces, season lightly with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and cook for approximately 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
3. Add the onion and garlic
If using onion, add it to the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
4. Add the pickles
Stir in the finely diced pickles. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes to allow the pickles to release their flavor.
5. Make the creamy sauce
Pour in the chicken broth or water, followed by the cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 7–10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Season and serve
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Be careful with additional salt because pickles already contain plenty.
Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley or dill before serving.
Enjoy warm!
Chef’s Tip
For an extra tangy and savory flavor, add 1 teaspoon of capers or 1–2 tablespoons of pickle brine to the sauce along with the pickles.
You can also add a little extra dried dill to give the dish a delicious dill pickle flavor.
What to Serve with Creamy Pickle Chicken
This creamy chicken dish pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes.
- Steamed white or basmati rice.
- Buttered egg noodles.
- Buckwheat groats.
- Roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables.
The creamy, tangy sauce is especially delicious spooned over mashed potatoes or rice.
Enjoy this easy and comforting chicken dinner!