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Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe·5 from 8 reviews

If you’re in the mood for something that tastes fancy but comes together in a snap, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken simmered in a silky, garlicky cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor—comfort food, but elevated. I’ve made this dish countless times and seriously, it never disappoints. Stick with me and I’ll share all my best tips so you can get that perfect golden sear and sauce that clings just right. Let’s dive in!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Rich Garlic Flavor: Roasting whole garlic cloves mellows their bite, creating a mellow, sweet base for the creamy sauce.
  • Perfectly Seared Chicken: Dredging in flour helps achieve a golden crust that locks in moisture and adds texture.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: With just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe packs layers of flavor without fuss.
  • Quick & Easy: From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet, creamy garlic chicken, chicken skillet recipes, easy chicken dinners, flavorful chicken dishes - A black cast iron pan filled with four browned chicken pieces in a thick creamy beige sauce, scattered with whole cooked garlic cloves and finely chopped green herbs. The chicken pieces have a crispy golden-brown texture with slight charring on the edges, and the sauce pools around them with a smooth, velvety look. The pan is set on a white marbled surface, and there is a black and white striped cloth wrapped around the handle of the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. I always recommend fresh garlic and good-quality cream to get the silky texture and flavor just right. Here’s why each component shines in this dish.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet, creamy garlic chicken, chicken skillet recipes, easy chicken dinners, flavorful chicken dishes - Flat lay of two large boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small mound of white flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a few pats of pale yellow butter on a white dish, a whole head of garlic with cloves peeled and scattered naturally, a small white bowl filled with clear light brown chicken broth, a small white bowl with pale yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl of creamy white heavy whipping cream, a small pile of chopped fresh green parsley, salt and black pepper sprinkled artistically on the surface, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical in arrangement, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cutting these in half lengthwise creates thinner cutlets that cook evenly and quickly without drying out.
  • Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken well—don’t be shy here, it makes a difference.
  • Flour: Helps develop that golden crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly for richness.
  • Olive oil: Adds a lovely base flavor and helps in crisping the chicken.
  • Butter: Adds richness and depth, especially when used to cook the garlic and finish the sauce.
  • Whole garlic cloves: Roasting whole cloves gently mellows the harsh raw edge into mild sweetness—goes perfectly with cream.
  • Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the richness of the cream.
  • Lemon juice: A little brightness that cuts through the richness and keeps everything fresh.
  • Garlic powder: Reinforces that garlicky punch, layering the flavor complexity.
  • Heavy or whipping cream: The star that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and luscious.
  • Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color to brighten the final dish.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often swap out the heavy cream for half and half when I want something a touch lighter, or toss in a handful of spinach near the end for some greens. Feel free to make it your own and add whatever you love!

  • Variation: Once, I added sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil—it turned the dish into a Mediterranean dream! It’s a great way to switch things up.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream to make it creamy without dairy, and it still tastes amazing.
  • Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat that plays nicely with the garlic and cream.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken & Get That Golden Crust

First things first—slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you end up with four nice, even cutlets. This helps them cook quickly and evenly, so they stay juicy inside. Season generously with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess. This little coat of flour is key for that dreamy golden crust that locks in flavor and moisture.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken to Perfection

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in your skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan’s nice and hot, add your chicken cutlets. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side—watch closely so you get a deep golden color, but don’t let them burn. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This step really builds the flavor base.

Step 3: Roast Garlic and Build the Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium or medium-low (important if you have a cast iron skillet to avoid burning). Add the remaining butter and melt it gently, then toss in your peeled whole garlic cloves. Stir often and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the outsides are just starting to brown and soften—the smell here is insanely good.

Step 4: Deglaze & Simmer the Flavors

Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and garlic powder to the skillet. Let it bubble away for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly. This concentrates all the flavors and preps the base for your creamy sauce.

Step 5: Stir in Cream & Finish Cooking

Pour in the heavy cream and return the chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Let everything simmer gently for another 5 minutes or so—check the sauce as it reduces to your liking. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and coat the chicken beautifully; no runny liquid here! If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Rush the Sear: Pat your chicken dry before dredging so it browns better and avoids steaming.
  • Use Whole Garlic: Roasting whole cloves gives you mellow garlic flavor without the harsh bite raw garlic can bring.
  • Control Your Heat: Turn the heat down when adding butter and garlic to avoid burning, especially if you’re using a cast iron skillet.
  • Let the Sauce Reduce: Give the sauce time to thicken gently; it’s the key to that velvety, restaurant-quality finish.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet, creamy garlic chicken, chicken skillet recipes, easy chicken dinners, flavorful chicken dishes - The image shows four browned chicken pieces in a black pan, each chicken piece covered with a creamy light beige sauce dotted with specks of black pepper and small green parsley pieces. The chicken pieces have a golden-brown, slightly crispy texture on top. Around and on the chicken pieces, there are several whole garlic cloves partially covered by the sauce. The sauce has a smooth, rich texture and pools around the chicken, creating a creamy base. The overall look is warm and inviting with the sauce contrasting the browned chicken skin. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish off this creamy garlic chicken with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley — it adds such a fresh pop of color and a little brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I even add a little shaved Parmesan if I’m feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side like garlic mashed potatoes or buttery noodles to soak up the sauce. Roasted asparagus or green beans bring a nice crunch and freshness that balances the creaminess perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special weekend dinner, I love serving this creamy garlic chicken over a bed of risotto or polenta. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few edible flowers can turn it into a stunning plate that looks like you spent hours!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, but don’t worry, it loosens again easily when reheated.

Freezing

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet recipe freezes well if you seal it tightly—just freeze in a good-quality container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if it’s too thick. You can also microwave it covered, but careful to not overcook the chicken.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—thighs may need a bit longer to cook through but will yield a delicious, flavorful result in the creamy garlic sauce.

  2. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

    Yes, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt to reduce fat content. Keep in mind the sauce might be less rich but still tasty. Also, using olive oil instead of butter can lighten it up.

  3. How do I avoid garlic cloves burning?

    Garlic can be tricky. Keep your heat at medium or med-low once you add the garlic to the pan, stir frequently, and watch closely. Using whole peeled cloves instead of minced garlic helps prevent burning while still infusing flavor.

  4. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

    It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts. If you use frozen, thaw it completely before slicing and cooking to ensure even cooking and that lovely golden crust.

  5. What can I use instead of flour for dredging if I’m gluten-free?

    Gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour works great for dredging. They’ll still help you get a nice sear, though the texture might be slightly different but equally delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet recipe is truly one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s so comforting yet impressive. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or something you serve to friends, it delivers on flavor and ease. I hope you’ll give it a go—and once you do, I think it’ll earn a spot in your own regular rotation, just like it did in mine!

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

A rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken cutlets cooked in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce. Perfect for an impressive yet easy dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Flour for dredging

Cooking Fats

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter divided

Sauce

  • 1 whole head garlic cloves peeled
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • Parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to form 4 smaller cutlets. Generously season each with salt and pepper, then coat them in flour.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken cutlets and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Cook Garlic: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet and melt. Add whole garlic cloves and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until lightly browned on the outside.
  4. Deglaze Pan: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and sprinkle garlic powder. Let the mixture bubble and reduce for about 4 minutes until the liquid decreases noticeably.
  5. Add Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream, return chicken cutlets to the pan, and continue to cook for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
  6. Finish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy garlic chicken.

Notes

  • Use large boneless skinless chicken breasts for halving into cutlets. If smaller breasts, use 4 whole breasts intact.
  • If garlic cloves are very large, halve them to ensure even cooking and browning.
  • This recipe is also featured in the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials cookbook.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg

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