Herbed Chicken Fillets with Creamy Herb Sauce

This delectable recipe features tender chicken fillets paired with a zesty, creamy herb sauce. It's a perfect dish for a dinner party or a comforting family meal. The chicken is seasoned with lemon zest, salt, and pepper, then pan-seared to a crispy, golden brown perfection. Meanwhile, the fresh and vibrant sauce provides a lovely contrast with its cool, creamy texture. It includes a mix of cucumbers, garlic, parsley, and dill, combined with yogurt and milk for a rich, herbaceous finish. The ingredients in this dish are simple, but the result is incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Pair it with some cooked rice, green peas, and diced red bell pepper for a complete and nutritious meal. The dish is relatively quick to prepare, making it a great choice even for busy evenings. The combination of fresh herbs with the creamy yogurt sauce makes the meal feel gourmet without the complexity. Enjoy each bite as the flavors dance on your palate.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 4 chicken fillets
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 tablespoon butter

Sauce

• 2 cloves garlic
• 100 g salad cucumber
• 1 bunch parsley
• 1/2 bunch dill
• 350 g plain yogurt
• 50 ml milk

Preparation Time

Total Time: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken fillets under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. Season the Fillets: Sprinkle both sides of each fillet with a pinch of salt and pepper. Rub the grated lemon zest over the fillets for added flavor.
3. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the oil combined with the butter over medium heat until the butter melts and begins to sizzle.
4. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken fillets in the pan. Cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Prepare the Cucumber: While the chicken is cooking, peel the cucumber and chop it into small cubes. Place the cubed cucumber into a mixing bowl.
6. Add the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves, crush them, and add to the bowl with the cucumber.
7. Chop the Herbs: Wash the parsley and dill under cold water. Shake off excess water, pluck the leaves, and finely chop them.
8. Mix the Herbs and Veggies: Add the chopped herbs to the mixing bowl containing cucumber and garlic. Stir to combine.
9. Create the Sauce: Pour the yogurt and milk into the bowl with the herbs, garlic, and cucumber. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and evenly blended.
10. Season the Sauce: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be quite flavorful and aromatic.
11. Serve the Dish: Arrange cooked chicken fillets on a serving platter.
12. Complement the Meal: Serve the dish with boiled rice mixed with green peas and diced red bell pepper for a colorful presentation.
13. Drizzle with Sauce: Generously spoon the creamy herb sauce over the chicken fillets for an extra burst of freshness.
14. Final Touch: Garnish with a few sprigs of dill or parsley for an elegant presentation.
15. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful chicken fillets with creamy herb sauce.

Tips

• Substitutions: You can use Greek yogurt for a thicker sauce consistency if preferred.
• Cook Evenly: If your fillets are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for faster and more consistent cooking.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil or mint for unique flavor profiles.

Nutritions

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fats: 20g
• Carbs: 16g

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi or tofu.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicier version.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your ingredients, especially yogurt, are certified gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a light green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Garnish with lemon wedges for an added citrus kick.

Best Places to Enjoy Similar Dishes

• The Herb Kitchen - Known for its fresh herb-centric dishes. Location: 123 Green Lane, London, England.
• Nature's Bounty - A great spot for herb-infused recipes. Location: 456 Park Avenue, New York City, USA.
• Herbivore Haven - Offers an extensive herb-themed menu. Location: 789 Meadow Street, Vancouver, Canada.
• Fresh Fields Bistro - Famous for its farm-to-table herbaceous meals. Location: 101 Garden Path, Sydney, Australia.
• Green Gourmet - Specializes in fresh and organic herb dishes. Location: 200 Eco Boulevard, Paris, France.
• Culinary Herb House - Popular for innovative herb recipes. Location: 303 Herb Cir, Cape Town, South Africa.
• The Herbal Cafeteria - Features a great selection of herb-inspired dishes. Location: 402 Leafy Lane, Dublin, Ireland.
• Garden Table - Known for its vibrant and fresh seasons of herbs. Location: 505 Tree Road, Tokyo, Japan.
• Herb & Harvest - Offers an impressive selection of herb-based cuisine. Location: 612 Farm Road, São Paulo, Brazil.
• Basil Bistro - Specializes in basil-infused creations. Location: 718 Fresh Avenue, Rome, Italy.