Sautéed Chicken with Old Bay-Spiced Cream Sauce
Tender chicken breasts pan-sautéed and finished with a creamy sauce seasoned with Old Bay for a subtle blend of spices. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends Old Bay seasoning, unsalted butter, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside on a warm plate.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 cloves minced garlic to the same skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chicken broth, stirring and scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Old Bay-Spiced Cream Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Old Bay-Spiced Cream Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Old Bay-Spiced Cream Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Chicken with Old Bay-Spiced Cream Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sautéed Chicken with Old Bay-Spiced Cream Sauce?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
