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Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner – this is what I call weeknight magic, folks! I’m Anna, and if you’re anything like me, you want real flavor without spending half the evening cleaning up, right? I’m a passionate food lover, and I’m here to share simple, flavorful chicken recipes designed to make everyday cooking easier and way more joyful.
Over the years, I’ve cooked my share of complicated meals, but what I really focus on now is creating solutions for busy weeknights. We need great food that tastes like you spent hours on it, but only took about 40 minutes total. This skillet dinner is the absolute best example of that philosophy. It’s tender chicken bathing in the richest, buttery garlic sauce you can imagine. Seriously, it’s restaurant quality, but you’re making it right there on your stovetop. You’ve got this!
Table Of content
Why You Will Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner
When you’re staring down a busy evening, the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes. This recipe is designed specifically to solve that problem while still delivering a meal that feels special. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple around your house.
Quick Cooking Time
- You can have this entire, satisfying meal on the table in about 40 minutes total. That’s less time than it takes to get takeout delivered!
Maximum Flavor, Minimal Cleanup
- Everything—the chicken, the aromatics, and that amazing sauce—cooks right in one big skillet. Wipe it out, and you’re basically done cleaning up.
Restaurant Quality at Home
- That slow-simmered garlic butter sauce gets so rich and savory from the broth reduction and heavy cream. It tastes like something you’d pay way too much for at a fancy bistro.
Equipment Needed for Your Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner
Because we’re keeping things quick and clean, you only need a few sturdy pieces of equipment. Don’t let a lack of fancy tools stop you—if you have these basics, you are ready to go. Having everything measured out before you start cooking is the secret to keeping that pan moving!
Essential Tools
- A large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best for searing).
- A sturdy cutting board and a good sharp knife for slicing the chicken.
- A shallow bowl for dredging the chicken in the flour mixture.
- A whisk to make sure that sauce comes out completely smooth, not lumpy!
- A reliable meat thermometer; this is non-negotiable for safe chicken cooking.
Gather Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner
Okay, let’s talk about what you need to pull off this amazing dish. Since we are making this for four people, I’ve scaled everything perfectly, but remember, precision matters when you’re building a sauce this luxurious. Don’t eyeball the flour for the sauce, or you’ll end up with paste instead of velvet!
The chicken needs to be prepped just so, and make sure you get those garlic cloves peeled ahead of time—it saves so much frustration when you’re rushing later. I always lay everything out on the counter before I even turn on the stove. It’s my little ritual to ensure nothing gets missed. Here’s the exact list of everything you need for your four servings.
Ingredient List Table
| Ingredient | Quantity & Preparation |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 large (about 1 pound total) |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Italian Seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
| All-Purpose Flour (for dredging) | ⅓ cup |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese (for dredging) | 3 tablespoons |
| Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Unsalted Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic Cloves | 10 whole cloves, peeled |
| All-Purpose Flour (for sauce) | 3 tablespoons |
| Low-Sodium Chicken Broth | 2 ½ cups |
| Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Thyme | ½ teaspoon |
| Mustard Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Heavy Cream | ½ cup |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese (for sauce) | ½ cup |
| Fresh Parsley (for garnish) | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise, if you follow these steps closely, you’ll nail this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner every single time. We move fast, so make sure your ingredients are ready to go before you start the heat!
Preparing and Searing the Chicken
First up, deal with the chicken. Take those two big breasts and slice them horizontally to make four thinner cutlets—about half an inch thick is perfect. This step is crucial because it helps them cook fast and evenly. Pat them completely dry with paper towels; that dryness helps the coating stick! Now, mix up your salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning and sprinkle it generously on both sides. Next, in a shallow bowl, combine the flour and the first measure of Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken piece through that mix, shaking off any major clumps. Get your olive oil hot in that large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the chicken down carefully—don’t overcrowd the pan! Sear them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are beautifully golden brown. You absolutely must check the internal temperature; pull them out as soon as they hit 165°F. Set the cooked chicken aside on a clean plate.
Building the Rich Garlic Cream Sauce
Now, drop the heat down to medium. This is where we capture all that flavor left behind. Melt your butter in the same skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all those little browned, flavorful bits stuck to the bottom—that’s flavor gold! Toss in those 10 peeled garlic cloves. Let them cook slowly for about 6 to 7 minutes until they start softening up and just turn a light, buttery gold. Don’t let them burn, or the sauce will taste bitter! Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of flour and cook that paste—your roux—for just one minute. Now, pour in the chicken broth slowly while whisking constantly until the mixture is completely smooth. Whisk in the onion powder, thyme, and mustard powder. Let this simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it starts coating the back of a spoon slightly.
Finishing the Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner
Time to get creamy! Stir in the heavy cream, let it bubble for another minute, and then take it off the direct heat for a second. Whisk in that final half-cup of Parmesan cheese until it melts right into the sauce smoothly. Taste it now and add a little more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Finally, nestle that cooked chicken and any juices that collected on the plate right back into the skillet. Spoon that gorgeous sauce right over the top of the chicken. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer together on low for about 5 minutes. This lets the chicken soak up all that garlic goodness. Right before serving, sprinkle everything generously with fresh, chopped parsley. Wow, doesn’t that smell incredible?
Tips for Getting Your Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner Perfect
I’ve made this recipe so many times that I know exactly where things can go sideways, so listen up! A few little tricks will prevent any frustration and guarantee that restaurant-worthy result we are aiming for. Don’t stress if your first attempt isn’t perfect; cooking is all about learning the feel of the ingredients.
Chicken Thickness Matters
When you slice those big chicken breasts in half horizontally, you aren’t just making more pieces; you are creating uniform thickness. If you leave them thick, the outside will burn while you wait for the center to finally reach 165°F. Thinner cutlets cook quickly and evenly, ensuring every bite is juicy and perfectly done without stressing over the internal temperature.
Achieving a Smooth Sauce
The biggest complaint I hear about pan sauces is lumps, and that happens when you dump the liquid in too fast after adding flour. Remember, we made a roux with the butter and flour first. When you add the cold or room-temperature chicken broth, you must whisk constantly and pour it in slowly, stream by stream if you have to. This gives the flour time to dissolve evenly into the liquid before it has a chance to clump up into those annoying little white pebbles.
Serving Suggestions for This Flavorful Meal
We’ve made the star of the show—that rich, garlicky chicken—now we just need the perfect stage for it! This sauce is truly begging to be soaked up by something soft and comforting. I always think about what will make the plate feel complete without adding another complicated step to my routine.
Perfect Pairings
- Mashed potatoes are non-negotiable in my house. The creamy texture is the absolute best vehicle for scooping up every last drop of that buttery sauce.
- If you prefer something lighter, plain white rice or even orzo pasta works wonderfully to absorb the sauce.
- Don’t forget your green! A quick side of steamed asparagus or some lightly sautéed green beans tossed with a tiny bit of lemon juice brings a nice freshness to the plate.
Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner
Oh, leftovers! Sometimes the second-day meal is even better, especially when it’s something creamy like this. Having this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner waiting for you is the best kind of lunch prep. But you have to treat that beautiful sauce right when you store it, or it can get weird when you try to bring it back to life.
Storage Guidelines
The key here is speed and airtight sealing. Don’t let this sit on the counter for hours after dinner. Get it into the fridge as soon as it cools down a bit. Here’s the breakdown:
- Always transfer any leftovers into a shallow, airtight container. Shallow containers help it cool faster, which is safer.
- You can safely keep this in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. After that, the quality starts to drop, especially the texture of the heavy cream sauce.
Reheating Safely
When it comes to reheating, gentle heat is your very best friend. If you blast it on high heat, that lovely cream sauce will split and look oily, and nobody wants that! I always prefer the stovetop method because I can watch it closely.
- Place the leftovers in a clean skillet over low to medium-low heat.
- Add a tiny splash of extra chicken broth or even a teaspoon of water if the sauce looks too thick; this loosens it up.
- Stir it constantly and gently until it’s steaming hot all the way through. Don’t let it boil!
- If you must use the microwave, use 50% power in short 30-second bursts, stirring well between each blast until it’s hot.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Chicken Recipe
I get so many questions about tweaking recipes, and that’s totally normal! Cooking is about making food that works for *your* family. Here are a few things I hear most often when people are making their first Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are super forgiving and stay moist even if you accidentally cook them a minute too long. Because they have more fat, the texture will be a little richer and softer than the chicken breasts, which is a win for many people. You’ll just need to cook them a little longer until they reach that safe 165°F, maybe an extra minute or two per side when searing.
What if I do not have heavy cream?
If heavy cream isn’t in your fridge, don’t panic! You can substitute it with evaporated milk, which is a great thickener. You might need a little less of it, so start with half a cup and add more as needed. Half-and-half is another option, but be warned: since it has less fat, your sauce won’t get quite as rich or thick, so you might need to simmer it a bit longer to reduce it down.
How can I make this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner lighter?
If you’re trying to watch the fat content, you can definitely swap the heavy cream for whole milk or even 2% milk. The trade-off is that the sauce won’t be quite as decadent or thick, so you might need to use a little extra flour in your roux, or just let it simmer longer until it reduces nicely. It will still taste fantastic because all that garlic flavor is already there!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
I know some of you track macros or need to watch certain ingredients closely, and I totally respect that! However, when I’m writing up these recipes, I focus on making sure the cooking process is easy and the taste is incredible. We use different brands of broth, different cuts of chicken, and even different amounts of that delicious Parmesan cheese depending on the day!
Understanding Nutritional Estimates
Because of all those variables in real-life home kitchens, the precise nutritional data—like exact calories, fat, or sodium counts—can vary quite a bit from batch to batch. I don’t provide exact figures because they just wouldn’t be accurate for everyone! Always remember that the numbers you see listed elsewhere are just estimates based on specific ingredients and brands, and your final result might look a little different. If you want to save this recipe idea for later, check out my Pinterest board for more inspiration!
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Amazing 40-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Dinner features tender chicken bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, all cooked in one pan. It makes for an easy, restaurant-quality meal perfect over mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 whole garlic cloves, peeled
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, about ½ inch thick. Pat the chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix the flour and 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl. Dredge each chicken piece in the mixture, shaking off any excess coating.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked internally to 165°F. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the garlic cloves and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until they soften and turn lightly golden.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, onion powder, thyme, and mustard powder until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely.
- Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend thoroughly.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
- You must cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Use a thermometer to check.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: Not specified
