There’s something about the way a creamy sauce clings to juicy chicken that just feels like a warm hug after a long day. I remember the first time I made this skillet creamy chicken — I was rushing, juggling a too-full schedule, and decided to throw together whatever felt comforting. The smell of garlic hitting the hot pan pulled me back into the kitchen, even though I was half distracted by a list of errands. Somewhere between stirring in the Parmesan and scraping those golden bits off the pan, I realized this wasn’t just dinner; it was a little victory in my chaotic evening.

Why You’ll Love It:

It’s straightforward — no complicated steps, just good ingredients coming together.
The sauce is rich and indulgent, but you won’t be stuck with leftovers that feel heavy the next day.
Cooking it in one skillet means less cleanup, which is always a win on busy nights.
It’s versatile enough to pair with anything from crusty bread to a simple salad.
Don’t expect fancy plating — this is comfort food that’s a bit rustic in its charm.

If you’re wondering about how this dish holds up as leftovers, it’s pretty forgiving. Just reheat gently so the sauce doesn’t separate, and it still tastes fresh enough to make you look forward to the next meal.

Skillet Creamy Chicken

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy skillet creamy chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the unsalted butter to the sauce and stir until melted and combined.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and sauce before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Kitchen Notes: I usually grab a sturdy skillet for this, one that can handle some scraping without getting scratched. When it comes to serving, I like it over mashed potatoes or alongside roasted veggies — makes it feel a bit more special without extra effort. If you want to switch things up, try adding a handful of spinach near the end or swapping out the Parmesan for a sharper cheese, but I haven’t tested all of these fully, so it might take a little tweaking. Sometimes, I toss in a pinch of nutmeg to give the sauce a subtle warmth, but that’s totally optional.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs tend to stay juicier, but cooking time might vary slightly.

Is there a way to lighten the sauce?
You could try half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though it won’t be quite as thick or rich.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but I recommend reheating gently and maybe adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Next time you’re staring down a hectic evening, remember this skillet creamy chicken waiting in your recipe box. It’s not fancy, but sometimes, simple wins the night. Save it, print it, and then go enjoy making it — your future self will thank you.