One pot boneless chicken breast with parsley sauce – one easy, quick (approx. 30 minutes) and delicious dinner recipe that is also healthy. Prepared the European (Balkan) way.
Rumor has it this recipe dates all the way back to the ancient Thracians. The Greeks used the term “Thracians” for the people who lived just north of the Aegean, right along the edge of Greek territory. Since parsley is native to Greece – as well as Morocco and much of Europe – it’s hardly surprising that a dish built around a parsley-based sauce would have its roots in that region.
Of course, the recipe’s likely evolved over the centuries, but its essence has always remained the same: chicken and parsley. Simple, classic, and delicious. And if you’re after another easy chicken dinner, definitely check out my German Chicken Schnitzel (Hühnerschnitzel) recipe – it’s an absolute treat.
TRY ALSO: Ricotta Burgers with Feta and Parsley
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken – boneless chicken breast, or deboned chicken thighs.
- Parsley – freshly chopped parsley (Italian flat leaf parsley or curly parsley). Dried parsley flakes will also work, however fresh parsley tastes better for this meal.
- Butter – a tiny bit of butter to make things more tasteful
- Fresh spring onion – adds to taste
- Flour – to make sauce thicker
- Sour cream – a few tbsp. to add depth to the sauce. May be substituted with Plain Greek Yogurt and an egg yolk mixed together.
- Lemon juice – adds a pinch of taste
- Salt – can be changed with bouillon cube or a tbsp. of all spice
- Water/ chicken broth – for the sauce, or chicken broth
How to chop parsley
You can chop parsley the traditional way with a knife on a wooden cutting board, or use a food chopper or mincer if you prefer – just follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re using a knife, start by placing the washed parsley on the board. Hold the bunch firmly and begin chopping from the stems upward, keeping your fingers slightly curled inwards to protect them from the blade. Continue chopping until you reach the leafy tops, then use the parsley as directed in your recipe.
Italian Parsley (flat-leaf parsley) vs. Curly Parsley
Italian parsley, also known as flat-leaf parsley is largely popular in Europe. It has stronger taste and aroma than curly parsley varieties. It’s most often used as garnish to salads, soups and main meals. Personally, I add it to my morning juice as well.
What to SERVE WITH Chicken Parsley?
One pan Chicken in Parsley sauce (30 minutes recipe)
Equipment
- 1 cooking pot with lid
- 1 cutting board & knife
Ingredients
- 800 g boneless chicken breast/chicken thighs
- 4 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 2 green onion, chopped
- 200 g parsley, minced
- 3 tbsp. flour, all purpose
- 1 tbsp. sweet paprika
- 2 tbsp. sour cream, heaping
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice, or more if needed
- sea salt and black pepper for seasoning
- 700 ml chicken broth/water
Instructions
- In a large saucepan (non-stick) add olive oil and braise diced chicken on all sides (medium heat). Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same saucepan add minced garlic, spring onion and parsley. Sauté for a few minutes until golden, then add flour and paprika. Stir frequently for 1-3 minutes. Add water/broth.
- Next, add chicken back in, add salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and let simmer until chicken is fully cooked.
- Then, in a small bowl, add 10 tbsp. of the chicken sauce. Let cool slightly and add sour cream, stir in. Next, add freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Remove cooking pan from stove and add in the sour cream – lemon mixture while stirring constantly. Taste test and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
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Thoroughly enjoyed this recipe!
The only comment I would make is that paprika is from the Americas and would not have been available (nor anything like it) in ancient Thrace.
It is a delicious recipe however, I recommend some good bread to soak up the juices as an accompaniment.
I had some chicken and a big bunch of parsley that I wanted to use fresh rather than put it all in the freezer, and this fit the bill perfectly.
Thank you for an easy and extremely tasty meal suggestion! Cannot fault it for flavour and comfort.
Thank you for the lovely words, I’m really glad you enjoyed this meal 🙂
This was very good! Mine created a much thicker sauce than what is seen on the website picture. The taste was very good and a great way to use up fresh parsley.
I’m really glad you liked it.