Qué Hacer De Comer Hoy Rápido Y Fácil Con Pollo Sellado

Overhead shot of golden chicken and colorful vegetables shimmering with sauce in a skillet, ready to serve. Steam rising.
Qué Hacer de Comer Hoy Rápido y Fácil con Pollo en 20 Minutos
This recipe utilizes a over high heat sear and a bright lemon butter emulsification to deliver restaurant quality results in under half an hour.
  • Time: Active 10 minutes, Passive 10 minutes, Total 20 minutes
  • Flavor/Texture Hook: Golden seared exterior with a velvety, citrus infused cream finish
  • Perfect for: Hectic Tuesday nights when you need a high protein, one pan win
Make-ahead: Slice chicken and zest lemons up to 24 hours in advance.

The Best Qué hacer de comer hoy rápido y fácil con pollo

Picture this: it’s 5:30 PM, the kids are asking when dinner will be ready for the third time, and you’re staring at a package of chicken breasts. We’ve all been there.

This recipe shows you a quick and easy chicken dish perfect for "Qué hacer de comer hoy rápido y fácil con pollo." It is the ultimate solution for those "I have no time" nights.

I remember the first time I tried to make a pan sauce like this. I rushed it, the sauce broke into an oily mess, and the chicken was as dry as a desert. But after a few tweaks - mostly learning to trust the cold butter trick - I finally nailed it.

It’s now my absolute go to because it feels like a treat but takes less effort than ordering takeout.

You can expect a dish that hits all the right notes: savory, tangy, and rich. The spinach wilts right into the sauce at the end, adding a pop of green without requiring a separate side dish. It is fast, functional, and honestly, a bit of a lifesaver when the week gets away from you.

Why This Fast Weeknight Meal Actually Works Every Time

Maillard Reaction: Searing the flour dusted chicken at high heat creates a golden crust that adds complex savory flavors through protein browning.

Cold Fat Emulsification: Whisking cold, cubed butter into the warm broth creates a stable, thickened sauce without needing a heavy roux.

Acidic Balance: Lemon juice cuts through the richness of the heavy cream, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy or one dimensional.

Residual Heat Cooking: Adding the spinach at the very end allows it to soften perfectly without becoming slimy or overcooked.

ThicknessInternal TempRest TimeVisual Cue
1/2 inch165°F3 minutesJuices run clear, no pink
3/4 inch165°F5 minutesFirm to the touch
1 inch165°F5 minutesGolden brown exterior

Success with this dish depends on the thickness of your meat. If you have thicker breasts, I highly recommend using a meat mallet or a heavy pan to pound them to a uniform half inch. This ensures that the outside doesn't burn before the inside is safely cooked through. If you love comforting textures, you might also enjoy a velvety Tomato Bisque Recipe alongside this.

Component Analysis: Better Chicken Through Ingredient Science

IngredientScience RolePro Secret
All Purpose FlourStarch BarrierDust lightly and shake off excess to prevent a gummy texture
Heavy CreamFat StabilizerUse full fat to prevent the sauce from curdling when lemon is added
Fresh GarlicAromatic BaseSlice thinly rather than mincing to avoid burning in the hot oil

Simple Pantry Staples for Better Chicken Every Day

  • 1.5 lb chicken breasts: Sliced into thin cutlets. Why this? Thin slices cook in minutes, keeping the meat juicy and tender.
    • Substitute: Chicken thighs (will take 4-5 minutes longer to cook).
  • 0.5 cup all purpose flour: For dredging.
    • Substitute: Cornstarch for a gluten-free option with extra crunch.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil: For the over high heat sear.
    • Substitute: Avocado oil (it has a higher smoke point).
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Divided into 1 tbsp for searing and 2 tbsp cold for the sauce.
  • 4 cloves garlic: Thinly sliced.
  • 0.75 cup low sodium chicken broth: The liquid base for our pan sauce.
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Provides the necessary "zing."
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream: Adds a silky finish.
  • 2 cups baby spinach: Fresh and vibrant.
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish.
  • Kosher salt and Black pepper: To taste.

Basic Kitchen Tools for Maximum Efficiency and Minimal Cleanup

Glossy chicken pieces nestled among vibrant bell peppers, onions, and cilantro, plated beautifully with a creamy dipping s...

To keep this fast, use a large 12 inch stainless steel or cast iron skillet. You want plenty of surface area so the chicken sears rather than steams. A pair of locking tongs is essential for flipping the cutlets without piercing the meat and losing those precious juices.

You'll also need a shallow bowl or plate for the flour and a small whisk or fork for the sauce. I usually keep a meat thermometer handy too, just to be 100% sure the chicken hits that 165°F mark without going over. Minimal tools mean minimal washing up, which is a win in my book.

Mastering the Pan Sear for Juicier Results

1. The Prep Phase

Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then dredge in the flour, shaking off any excess. Note: Excess flour will burn in the pan and make the sauce gritty.

2. The over High heat Sear

Heat the olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in the skillet over medium high heat. Once the butter is bubbling and the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the edges are crisp.

3. The Deglaze and Emulsify

Remove the chicken to a plate. Reduce heat to medium and add the garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the brown bits. Cook for 2 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.

4. The Finishing Touch

Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 1 minute. Turn the heat to low and whisk in the 2 tbsp of cold, cubed butter one piece at a time. Add the spinach and return the chicken to the pan. Toss until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is glossy. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Professional Secrets to Avoid Common Cooking Pitfalls

Why Your Chicken Sauce Separated

If your sauce looks oily or broken, the heat was likely too high when you added the fat. Emulsions are delicate bonds between water and fat. If you boil the cream or butter too hard, those bonds snap.

ProblemRoot CauseSolution
Sauce is wateryNot enough reductionSimmer the broth for an extra minute before adding cream
Chicken is toughOvercookingPull chicken at 160°F; carryover heat will reach 165°F
Garlic tastes bitterBurned during sautéAdd garlic only after reducing heat and don't let it brown

Common Mistakes Checklist

  • ✓ Don't crowd the pan; if the cutlets touch, they will steam instead of searing.
  • ✓ Use cold butter for the final sauce step; it melts slower and creates a creamier finish.
  • ✓ Always use fresh lemon juice; the bottled stuff has a metallic aftertaste that ruins the sauce.
  • ✓ Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving to let the fibers relax and hold onto moisture.
  • ✓ Add the spinach at the very last second so it stays bright green and structured.

Smart Ingredient Swaps and Healthy Recipe Twists

If you need a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for full fat canned coconut milk. It won't taste like a tropical vacation, I promise - the lemon and garlic do a great job of masking the coconut notes. For a low carb version, skip the flour dredge entirely and just season the chicken heavily before searing.

Ingredient Shortcuts

Fresh IngredientShortcutFlavor Impact
Fresh GarlicJarred Minced GarlicLess pungent, slightly sweeter
Fresh SpinachFrozen SpinachSoggier texture; squeeze dry before adding
Chicken BreastRotisserie ChickenMuch faster, but you lose the seared crust

When you are looking for what to make for dinner, remember that you can easily double this recipe for a larger family. Just be sure to cook the chicken in two separate batches so the pan stays hot enough to get that perfect shatter crisp edge.

Storing and Reheating Guidelines for Zero Waste Meals

This chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight glass container to keep the sauce from soaking into the meat too much. When you’re ready to eat it again, avoid the microwave if possible. It tends to turn chicken into rubber.

Instead, reheat it in a small skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce, and cover it with a lid for 2-3 minutes. If you have leftovers, chop the chicken up and toss it with some pasta the next day for a completely different meal. The lemon cream sauce is basically a pre made pasta sauce! And if you are baking for the holidays later, save this Christmas Cookies recipe for your list.

Perfect Side Dishes to Round Out Your Dinner

Since the chicken has a rich sauce, I love serving it over something that can soak up all that liquid. A bed of fluffy jasmine rice or some simple buttered noodles works wonders. If you're keeping it light, a pile of roasted zucchini or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.

Another great trick is to serve it with a thick slice of crusty sourdough bread. There is nothing better than using a piece of bread to swipe up every last drop of that lemon garlic butter from the plate. It makes the meal feel complete without adding more than a few seconds of prep time to your evening.

Close-up of tender, juicy chicken chunks glistening with savory sauce, showcasing textures and vibrant veggie colors. Mout...

Quick & Easy Chicken Dinner FAQs

What can I make for dinner with chicken right now?

Sear and Pan Sauce Chicken. This recipe uses high heat searing and finishes with a quick lemon butter emulsion, delivering a restaurant quality meal in under 20 minutes total time.

What sides go well with this creamy lemon chicken?

Rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables. Serve over jasmine rice or buttered noodles to soak up the sauce, or pair with simple roasted zucchini for a lighter profile.

What are the best chicken recipes for beginners needing speed?

This pan-seared cutlet method is ideal for beginners. Searing is straightforward, and the sauce is stabilized using cold butter, which prevents the common mistake of a broken sauce.

How do I ensure my chicken turns out juicy and flavorful?

Use thin cutlets pounded to uniform thickness and hit 165°F internal temperature. Patting the chicken very dry before dredging in flour ensures a good sear, locking in moisture.

Is it true that I need a complicated roux for a good pan sauce?

No, this is a common misconception. You can achieve a silky sauce by whisking cold cubes of butter into the reduced broth and cream, which creates a stable, quick emulsification.

Can I prep components of this quick chicken dish ahead of time?

Yes, up to 24 hours in advance. Slice your chicken breasts and zest your lemons the day before to significantly cut down on active prep time tonight.

How should I reheat leftovers to keep the chicken tender?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to the pan, cover, and allow it to warm slowly to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Pollo Rapido Y Facil Hoy

Qué Hacer de Comer Hoy Rápido y Fácil con Pollo en 20 Minutos Recipe Card
Qué Hacer de Comer Hoy Rápido y Fácil con Pollo en 20 Minutos Recipe Card
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Preparation time:10 Mins
Cooking time:10 Mins
Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories535 calories
Protein55 g
Fat27 g
Carbs14 g
Fiber1 g
Sugar2 g
Sodium580 mg

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Dish
CuisineMediterranean
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