One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet

A luxurious, restaurant-quality chicken dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in just one skillet. Tender, golden-brown chicken breasts are bathed in a velvety, herb-infused cream sauce that's both indulgent and surprisingly easy to prepare. This versatile recipe balances rich flavors with a quick, no-fuss cooking method, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties.

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One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet - main view
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Chicken Searing Technique:
Precise heat and timing method creating golden exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
Sauce Development Process:
Layered ingredient integration strategy building depth of flavor through careful reduction.
Flavor Melding Approach:
Final simmering technique allowing ingredients to harmonize and intensify taste profile.
Moisture Preservation Method:
Strategic cooking and resting process ensuring tender, succulent chicken texture.
One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet - secondary view

Mastering the Creamy Skillet Chicken Technique

Chicken Searing Technique
Precise heat and timing method creating golden exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
Sauce Development Process
Layered ingredient integration strategy building depth of flavor through careful reduction.
Flavor Melding Approach
Final simmering technique allowing ingredients to harmonize and intensify taste profile.
Moisture Preservation Method
Strategic cooking and resting process ensuring tender, succulent chicken texture.
Baking Tips
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C)
For extra crispy chicken, use a cast-iron skillet if available
Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture
Can substitute half-and-half for a lighter cream sauce
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream
Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking
Don't overcrowd the pan when searing chicken
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting
Can be made ahead and reheated gently
Freezes well for up to 3 months
Pair with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables
For dairy-free, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast
One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet - tertiary view

One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet

A luxurious, restaurant-quality chicken dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in just one skillet. Tender, golden-brown chicken breasts are bathed in a velvety, herb-infused cream sauce that's both indulgent and surprisingly easy to prepare. This versatile recipe balances rich flavors with a quick, no-fuss cooking method, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties.

Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
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Ingredients

Custard Cream
01
For the Chicken:
02
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
03
1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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For the Creamy Sauce:
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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Optional Add-Ins:
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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1/2 cup baby spinach
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1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
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1/4 cup white wine
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For Garnish:
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Additional fresh parsley
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Lemon wedges
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Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

01
Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are very thick, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness for uniform cooking.
02
Season the chicken: Mix salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
03
Dredge the chicken: Place flour (or cornstarch) in a shallow dish. Lightly coat each chicken breast, shaking off excess.
04
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot and butter is melted, add chicken breasts.
05
Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on the first side, until golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
06
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
07
Deglaze the pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. If using white wine, add it now and let it reduce for 1-2 minutes.
08
Build the cream sauce: Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and rosemary. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
09
Optional add-ins: If using sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach, add them now and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened.
10
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow flavors to meld.
11
Finish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, with lemon wedges and extra Parmesan cheese on the side.