When weeknight schedules get tight, elaborate recipes with long ingredient lists are usually the first thing to go. Enter 3-Ingredient Chicken Belhaven—a classic, pub-inspired comfort dish stripped down to its absolute essentials without losing any of its rich, savory magic.
Named after the traditional Scottish Belhaven style of brewing and pub fare, this dish pairs tender chicken with a creamy, deeply flavorful sauce. By relying on smart, high-flavor shortcuts, you get a luxurious, restaurant-quality skillet meal in under 30 minutes using just three primary ingredients.
The Power Trio: What You Need
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Chicken Breasts or Thighs (1.5 lbs): Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Cut them into thick cutlets or bite-sized tender chunks so they sear quickly and stay juicy.
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Belhaven Scottish Ale or Heavy Creamy Dark Ale (12 oz): The secret weapon. A dark, malty ale provides deep notes of caramel, roasted barley, and a subtle bitterness that cuts through the creaminess.
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Heavy Cream (3/4 cup) or Cream Cheese (4 oz): Adds rich body and binds with the reduced beer to create a velvety, golden pan sauce.
(Pantry staples like salt, black pepper, and a splash of cooking oil are assumed to be in your kitchen!)











