Some recipes just feel like a warm hug at the end of a long day — and this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet is exactly that.
It’s one of those dinners that looks fancy enough for guests but is simple enough for a regular Tuesday night. Juicy, golden-seared chicken simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce… and the best part? Everything cooks in one pan.
Less mess. More flavor. Total win.
If you love creamy, cozy meals that don’t take hours in the kitchen, this one will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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🍗 Tender, juicy chicken
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🧄 Loaded with garlic flavor
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🥘 One-pan recipe (easy cleanup!)
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⏱ Ready in about 30 minutes
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🍽 Perfect with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
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Salt & black pepper (to taste)
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1 teaspoon paprika
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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5–6 garlic cloves (minced)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear Until Golden
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove from the pan and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add minced garlic.
Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn).
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan — that’s where the flavor is.
Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Let it gently simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in parmesan cheese until smooth.
4. Simmer Together
Place the chicken back into the skillet.
Spoon some sauce over the top.
Cover and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve warm.
The sauce thickens beautifully and coats the chicken perfectly.
What to Serve With It
This creamy garlic chicken pairs beautifully with:
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🍚 Steamed rice
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🍝 Pasta
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🥔 Mashed potatoes
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🥖 Garlic bread
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🥦 Steamed vegetables
Personally, I love it with mashed potatoes because the sauce soaks in perfectly.
Tips for Best Results
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Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing.
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Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
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Let the sauce simmer gently — not boil aggressively.
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If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth.
Easy Variations
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🧀 Add spinach for a creamy garlic spinach chicken.
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🍄 Add mushrooms for extra depth.
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🌶 Add chili flakes for a slight kick.
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🧄 Love garlic? Roast a few cloves and mash into the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
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Store leftovers in airtight container (up to 3 days).
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Reheat gently on stove with a splash of milk or broth.
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Avoid overheating — cream sauces can separate.
