There’s something heartwarming about a dish that lives up to its name—and this Tender Chicken Delight does exactly that. I remember my grandmother calling it “Sunday Special” because it was always the star of our weekend table. Whether it was baked to golden perfection in winter or served alongside a fresh summer salad, it never disappointed. The key? Simple ingredients, the right marinade, and just enough time to let the flavors shine.
Today, I’m sharing that same homestyle recipe—tender, juicy, seasoned just right, and easy enough for a busy weeknight or a relaxed family dinner.
🕒 Tender Chicken Delight Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 7
- Cuisine: American
- Perfect For: Any season
🛒 Ingredients for Tender Chicken Delight
🐔 Chicken:
- 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
🌿 Optional Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
🍋 Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or thyme
- Lemon slices
👩🍳 How to Make Tender Chicken Delight at Home
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Sear the Chicken
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken pieces for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish.
3. (Optional) Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 more minute.
- Gradually add chicken broth and cream, whisking until smooth.
- Add Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese; simmer until thickened.
- Pour sauce over seared chicken in the baking dish.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internal temp.
- Remove foil, broil for 3–5 minutes if you want a golden top.
5. Rest & Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Tender Chicken Delight
- Incredibly juicy: The marinade and cooking method guarantee moist, flavorful chicken.
- Versatile: Pairs with rice, mashed potatoes, salad, or veggies.
- Perfect any time of year: Cozy enough for winter, light enough for summer.
- Family favorite: Mild seasoning and creamy sauce please kids and adults alike.
🧁 Pro Tips for Success
- Use thighs for extra juiciness: Thighs have more fat and stay tender even longer.
- Don’t skip resting: Letting the chicken sit after baking keeps juices inside.
- Want a dairy-free version? Swap cream with coconut milk and skip the cheese.
🌿 Variations on Tender Chicken Delight
- Herb-roasted: Add rosemary and sage to the marinade for a more rustic twist.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Honey garlic version: Add 1 tbsp of honey to the marinade and increase garlic.
🥶 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or gently on the stovetop.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- With starch: Mashed potatoes, herbed rice, or pasta.
- With veggies: Roasted carrots, steamed green beans, or grilled zucchini.
- Fresh side: Cucumber salad or citrus-dressed greens.
💬 Share Your Chicken Delight!
Made this Tender Chicken Delight? I’d love to know how you served it—did you go creamy, or stick to the marinade? Share your photos, reviews, or your own twists in the comments or on social with #ChickenDelightDish.