There’s a special kind of magic in a warm, creamy skillet dinner that instantly feels like a cozy hug after a long day. This Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet wraps tender, juicy chicken in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that tastes like restaurant comfort but comes together in just 30 minutes in one pan. Pair it with pasta, rice, or simple steamed veggies, and you’ve got a family-friendly dinner that’s both decadent and surprisingly easy to pull off, even on a busy weeknight. This is the kind of recipe you bookmark as your new go-to when you want something quick, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
Why this creamy garlic chicken will be your new weeknight favorite
This creamy garlic chicken skillet checks all the boxes for a crave-worthy, repeat-on-the-menu dinner.
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Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights when you want real food, fast.
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Beginner-friendly method with simple, step-by-step instructions and no special equipment.
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Family-approved flavors: mild, creamy, garlicky, and kid-friendly.
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Budget-conscious: uses basic ingredients like chicken, cream, garlic, broth, and Parmesan.
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One-pan cleanup: everything cooks in a single skillet for less mess and more comfort.
This dish feels special enough for a date night or small dinner party, but simple enough for a Wednesday evening when you’re tired and just need something cozy in a bowl.
Ingredients you need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet that tastes like a hug in a pan:
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1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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0.5 cup chicken broth
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0.75 cups grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
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Salt, to taste
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Pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Cooked pasta or rice, for serving
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Steamed vegetables, for serving
Ingredient notes and smart swaps
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Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its rich, silky texture; you can swap in half-and-half for a lighter sauce, knowing it will be less decadent.
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Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory flavor; vegetable broth works in a pinch, with a slightly different flavor profile.
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Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness; Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are great alternatives if you want a sharper edge.
Step-by-step: how to make this easy creamy garlic chicken skillet
Follow these clear steps for a reliably delicious, creamy garlic chicken every time.
1. Prep everything first
Slice the chicken into even pieces, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley so everything is ready to go before you turn on the stove.
Pro tip: Having your ingredients prepped (mise en place) keeps the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
2. Sear the chicken
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if needed so the chicken browns instead of steaming.
3. Cook the garlic
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent it loosely with foil. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pro tip: Keep the garlic moving and the heat moderate; burnt garlic turns bitter quickly.
4. Build the creamy garlic sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan — that’s where a lot of flavor lives. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan, whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes.
Pro tip: If the sauce gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of extra broth or cream until it coats the back of a spoon.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet
Nestle the seared chicken back into the creamy garlic sauce and spoon some sauce over each piece. Let it simmer together for another 2–3 minutes so the chicken absorbs all that flavor and warms through.
Pro tip: This short simmer helps keep the chicken juicy and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
6. Garnish and serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness. Serve the creamy garlic chicken over pasta or rice with a side of steamed vegetables for a full, comforting meal on one plate.
Pro tip: Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, cozy, family-style presentation.
How to serve it (and what to pair it with)
This creamy garlic chicken is wonderfully versatile, so you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion.
Great sides and pairings
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Carbs: Buttered pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or orzo.
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Veggies: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted mixed vegetables.
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Bread: Garlic bread or warm crusty baguette to mop up the sauce.
Drinks
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A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the rich, creamy sauce.
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For non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with lemon slices or a light iced tea.
Occasions
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Weeknight dinners when you want something fast but satisfying.
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Small dinner parties, date nights, or Sunday comfort meals — just add a salad and a nice dessert.
Storage, freezing, and reheating
Handle leftovers right, and this skillet dinner becomes an easy lunch or another cozy meal later.
Refrigerate
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze
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For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2–3 months.
Reheat
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Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
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If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for guaranteed creamy garlic chicken success
Keep these key points in mind to nail this recipe every time.
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Don’t overcook the chicken; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for juicy results.
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Use fresh garlic instead of jarred for a bolder, more aromatic flavor.
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Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; a pinch more salt or pepper can make the flavors pop.
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Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil aggressively, to keep the cream smooth rather than grainy.
Easy variations to try
You can easily adapt this base recipe to match your cravings or dietary needs.
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Spicy creamy garlic chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you sauté the garlic.
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Mediterranean-style: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach at the end for color and extra flavor.
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Low-carb option: Serve over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or regular rice.
FAQ: creamy garlic chicken skillet
Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes. You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be lighter. A small cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) can help thicken a milk-based sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer to reduce and naturally thicken, or whisk in a small cornstarch slurry and cook for a minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add even more flavor and stay very tender; just adjust the cook time slightly as needed.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. The sauce may separate slightly after freezing and thawing, but it usually comes back together when reheated gently while stirring.
What vegetables go best with this?
Broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or a simple mixed veggie medley pair wonderfully with the creamy garlic sauce.
How do I know the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. As long as your chicken broth is certified gluten-free and you’re not using flour to thicken, this dish is naturally gluten-friendly.