If you’re craving a dish that feels cozy, rich, and downright indulgent, you’re going to love this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s one of those meals that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really, it’s all about simple ingredients coming together in one pan for a seriously impressive dinner. I absolutely love how the caramelized garlic cloves add a gourmet depth — and the creamy Parmesan sauce? Total game changer. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my best tips so you can nail this recipe without a hitch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich Flavor Explosion: Caramelized garlic and Parmesan create a sauce that’s both creamy and packed with flavor.
- Family Favorite: This recipe always gets rave reviews from my family, making it great for weeknights or special dinners.
- Flexible Ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry already.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The blend of spices, garlic, and creamy Parmesan makes this dish sing — and the chicken comes out tender every time if you follow my tips. Here’s a quick heads-up on the ingredients to help you shop smart and prep with confidence.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like large breasts for thickness; just be sure to flatten them a bit for even cooking.
- Italian seasonings: A lovely mix of herbs that adds depth without overpowering the garlic.
- Flour: This helps create that velvety sauce; you’ll use it to coat the chicken and thicken the gravy.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded if possible—it melts beautifully and amps up the umami.
- Olive oil: For browning the chicken; extra virgin olive oil adds a nice flavor.
- Chicken broth: Use low sodium if you want to control saltiness better.
- Beef bouillon cube (or better than bouillon): Surprising addition! It deepens the sauce’s richness even more.
- Soy sauce: I’ve swapped Worcestershire sauce before; both add umami and subtle tang.
- Onion powder, dried thyme, mustard powder: Tiny boosts of flavor that round out the sauce beautifully.
- Butter: For richness and that gorgeous caramelized garlic base.
- Whole garlic cloves: Roast these low and slow in the skillet; they transform into silky sweet bites.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, creamy texture you’ll want to savor.
Variations
I love making this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe just as is, but sometimes I switch things up based on what’s in season or my mood. Don’t be afraid to customize — that’s part of the fun!
- Adding mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy richness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Using chicken thighs: If you want juicier meat, thighs work perfectly — just adjust cooking time slightly.
- Spicy twist: Throw in red pepper flakes for a little heat that contrasts the creaminess nicely.
- Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy vegan option.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps them brown nicely. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasonings. Then, coat each piece lightly with flour mixed with the Parmesan cheese; this combo helps give the chicken a subtle crisp crust and thickens the sauce later. I like to lay the chicken flat and give it a little whack with a meat mallet for even cooking—takes just a minute and makes a difference.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, do this in batches. Once browned, transfer chicken to a plate and set aside. Using the same skillet, add the butter and whole garlic cloves. Let the garlic cloves cook gently, stirring occasionally, so they caramelize slowly and become sweet and tender—this perfect balance is my favorite part of the recipe!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the garlic and butter, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw taste. Then slowly whisk in the chicken broth along with the beef bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, dried thyme, and mustard powder. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; it should thicken up nicely. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or seasoning if needed — remember the Parmesan adds saltiness too!
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Parmesan
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce until creamy and rich. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce, and simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You’ll see the sauce thicken to a beautiful consistency that clings to every bite of chicken.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Patience with Garlic: Don’t rush caramelizing the garlic; slow and low brings out sweetness that balances the sauce.
- Room Temperature Chicken: Let the chicken sit out for 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Don’t Skip the Flour Coating: This not only seasons the chicken but helps thicken the sauce into that luscious gravy you want.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: If the skillet is too crowded, chicken won’t brown properly and you’ll miss flavor development.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives—it adds a pop of color and a little fresh bite to brighten the richness. Sometimes, I grate a tiny bit more Parmesan on top for that extra cheesy touch, which my family absolutely digs.
Side Dishes
This chicken skillet pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes to soak up all that creamy garlic goodness. Roasted veggies or a simple green salad balance the meal too. When I want something quick, a side of buttered pasta works like a charm.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like plating the chicken over a mound of creamy polenta or saffron rice—makes the dish feel fancy with minimal extra effort. A drizzle of fresh herb oil or a squeeze of lemon right before serving adds a refreshing note that wows guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so before reheating, I like to whisk in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up and get that silky texture back again.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! I portion it out with sauce in freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent separation.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer using the stovetop because it lets me control heat carefully—just warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet on low, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick. Microwave’s okay in a pinch, but be sure to heat in short bursts and stir between to avoid curdling.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may need a few more minutes to cook through. Also, if you use skin-on thighs, you can crisp up the skin before cooking the sauce for extra texture.
-
Is it okay to skip the Parmesan cheese?
You can skip it if necessary, but Parmesan adds a lovely nutty depth and richness that’s key to the Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe. If you don’t have Parmesan, a hard cheese like Asiago or a good Pecorino Romano can work as a substitute.
-
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer—chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, slice into the thickest part and check that the juices run clear, and the meat is no longer pink.
-
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or other plant-based cream substitutes instead of heavy cream, and swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. The sauce won’t be exactly the same but still delicious and creamy.
-
Why does the recipe include a beef bouillon cube for chicken?
Great question! The beef bouillon adds an extra layer of savory umami that enhances the richness of the sauce. It’s a trick I learned that gives the sauce more complexity without making it taste like beef.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe really holds a special place in my heart. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something comforting but still a little fancy without tons of fuss. I’ve served it for casual family dinners and even for friends over wine, and it never fails to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it in your own kitchen — trust me, once you do, this will become one of your go-to weeknight favorites too!
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a comforting skillet dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked in a rich, savory garlic-infused cream sauce. Seasoned with Italian herbs and Parmesan, this recipe combines caramelized whole garlic cloves and a velvety gravy to create an easy yet sophisticated dinner perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
- ⅓ cup flour
- 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Flavorings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon better than bouillon
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 10 whole cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings. Dredge each chicken breast lightly in the ⅓ cup of flour mixed with the 4 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, coating evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Create the Broth Base: In the same skillet, add chicken broth along with the beef bouillon cube (or better than bouillon). Stir to dissolve. Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon mustard powder to the broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Add 10 whole cloves of garlic and 3 tablespoons of butter to the broth mixture. Allow the garlic to caramelize in the simmering broth until soft and fragrant, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour over the skillet and stir constantly to combine into a roux with the butter and broth mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is thickened and smooth.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Remove the lid and stir in ½ cup heavy cream and optional ½ cup Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for another 5 minutes to thicken and meld flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic sauce and caramelized garlic cloves over the chicken breasts and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- This recipe is easily made in a single skillet, which minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor from the browned bits in the pan.
- Caramelizing the whole garlic cloves slowly in the sauce adds a sweet, mellow garlic flavor that balances the rich creaminess.
- Substituting beef bouillon with chicken bouillon can be done for a lighter broth flavor if preferred.
- Optional Parmesan cheese in the sauce enhances the cheesiness and thickness but can be omitted to reduce fat content.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging and thickening.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 488 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1860 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 111 mg
