This creamy garlic chicken skillet is a true weeknight hero, bringing comfort and flavor to your dinner table without a fuss.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet: Easy Weeknight Dinner 16

It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for guests but is quick enough for even your busiest evenings. The tender chicken simmers in a rich, velvety garlic sauce, creating an irresistible aroma that will have everyone gathering in the kitchen.

Perfectly paired with fluffy mashed potatoes, this dish offers a complete and satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas and hello to a new family favorite that delivers on taste and simplicity every time.

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Time Needed From Start To Finish
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This creamy garlic chicken skillet is designed for busy individuals and families who crave delicious, homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting and flavorful but need it on the table fast. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor achieved with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic option for a casual weeknight dinner, a relaxed Sunday supper, or even when you’re hosting a small gathering and want to impress without stress. The tender chicken and rich, garlicky sauce make it a universally appealing dish that even picky eaters tend to enjoy, especially when served alongside their favorite mashed potatoes.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients before you start cooking is the best way to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in the kitchen. This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh ingredients that are readily available at any grocery store, making it easy to whip up on short notice.

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

For the chicken, you can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be a bit more forgiving and stay juicier, but breasts work perfectly well if you prefer white meat. If you don’t have fresh garlic, a teaspoon of garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh offers a more robust flavor. Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand. For the heavy cream, avoid using half-and-half or milk as they may curdle under high heat and won’t provide the same richness. Parmesan cheese is key for the sauce’s flavor, but a good quality Pecorino Romano could also be used for a sharper taste. Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs, but you can also use individual herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme if you prefer to customize the flavor.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. You won’t be spending hours in the kitchen, but you’ll still achieve a meal that tastes like it took much longer to prepare.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this creamy garlic chicken skillet is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked and flavorful dish every time.

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. If using breasts, you can slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets, which cook faster and more evenly.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. It’s okay if there are browned bits left in the pan – these add flavor to the sauce.
Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes. This step helps build a deeper flavor base for your sauce.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer again, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy garlic sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it thoroughly. Let it warm through for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite mashed potatoes.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This creamy garlic chicken skillet is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can cut the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces before cooking, making it easier for little hands to manage. You could also add a handful of frozen peas or corn to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of vegetables.

To add more texture and flavor, consider stirring in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach along with the heavy cream. Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped and added to the sauce, also provide a lovely tangy counterpoint to the richness. For a touch of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the Italian seasoning. While mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, this dish is also fantastic with pasta, rice, or even a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A simple green salad or steamed broccoli makes for a balanced meal. For a party or buffet, you can keep the chicken and sauce warm in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting, making it easy for guests to serve themselves.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will help ensure your creamy garlic chicken skillet turns out perfectly every time.

One common mistake is overcrowding the skillet when searing the chicken. If you put too much chicken in the pan at once, it will steam instead of sear, preventing that beautiful golden-brown crust from forming. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, ensuring there’s enough space between pieces.

Another frequent issue is burning the garlic. Garlic cooks very quickly, and if it turns dark brown, it will impart a bitter flavor to your entire sauce. Always cook garlic over medium heat and stir constantly for just about a minute until it’s fragrant but not colored.

Using a low-fat dairy alternative for the heavy cream is another common slip-up. While tempting for health reasons, milk or half-and-half can curdle when heated, especially with acidic ingredients or if brought to a rolling boil. Stick to heavy cream for the best texture and stability in your sauce.

Finally, overcooking the chicken can lead to dry, tough results. Chicken breasts, especially, can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in a matter of minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and then remove it promptly from the heat. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly from residual heat once removed from the pan.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This creamy garlic chicken skillet is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious and can be stored properly for future meals.

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or a tablespoon of heavy cream to loosen the sauce and bring it back to its original consistency, as it can thicken considerably in the fridge. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, using short intervals and stirring in between to prevent the sauce from separating.

Making this dish entirely ahead of time isn’t ideal because the creamy sauce can sometimes separate or become less smooth upon reheating, and the chicken can dry out. However, you can do some prep work in advance. You can trim and season the chicken, mince the garlic, and measure out your broth and cream a day ahead. This will significantly cut down on your active cooking time when you’re ready to make dinner.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator

FAQs

Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.