Created on February 14th, 2026 at 08:03 am
Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Dinner in One Pan
If you’re craving a rich, comforting dinner that feels restaurant-quality but takes less than 30 minutes, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet is exactly what you need. Tender pan-seared chicken breasts simmer in a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce that’s packed with flavor yet incredibly simple to make. It’s the perfect creamy garlic chicken dinner for busy weeknights, cozy evenings, or whenever you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe combines golden seared chicken with a silky, savory sauce that clings to every bite. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up every drop of that creamy garlic goodness. It’s a one-pan meal that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
This easy creamy garlic chicken works because it balances bold garlic flavor with the richness of parmesan and cream. The sauce is smooth but not overly heavy, and it develops incredible depth in just a few minutes on the stovetop. Unlike complicated cream sauces that require constant whisking or multiple steps, this skillet version comes together quickly and naturally thickens as it simmers.
If you love creamy comfort chicken dishes, this recipe fits perfectly alongside favorites like Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, which uses sun-dried tomatoes and slow cooking for an equally indulgent result. Both recipes highlight tender chicken and rich parmesan flavor, but this skillet version is ideal when you need dinner fast.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the thickness of the sauce, increase the garlic, or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make it your own. It’s family-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and elegant enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for gentle heat
How To Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Prepare the chicken properly. Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This step is important because moisture prevents proper browning. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Press the seasoning gently into the meat so it adheres well.
- Sear the chicken for flavor. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, carefully place the chicken breasts into the pan. Do not overcrowd the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4–5 minutes. This allows a golden crust to form. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until both sides are browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Build the garlic base. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds. Garlic cooks quickly, and you want it fragrant, not burnt. The browned bits from the chicken will begin blending with the butter and garlic, creating a rich base.
- Deglaze and create the sauce foundation. Pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. This releases all the flavor that built during searing. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add cream and parmesan gradually. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously as it warms. Once it begins to gently simmer, add parmesan cheese in small amounts, stirring until melted before adding more. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Place the chicken breasts back into the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer gently for 6–8 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens naturally.
- Finish and serve. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Flavor Variations
You can easily adapt this creamy garlic chicken dinner depending on what you have available. Adding sliced mushrooms creates an earthy depth. Stirring in fresh spinach at the end gives the dish color and extra nutrients. A small squeeze of lemon juice brightens the richness without overpowering the garlic.
If you want a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still flavorful. For a richer finish, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese along with the parmesan.
If you love creamy garlic flavors but prefer a hands-off approach, you’ll also enjoy this Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken, which develops deep flavor over several hours and delivers ultra-tender results. It’s perfect for busy days when you want the same rich parmesan sauce with even less effort.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its smooth texture. This dish also works well for meal prep and reheats nicely for lunch the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay very tender in the creamy sauce.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or add a small cornstarch slurry if needed.
Can I make this recipe low carb?
Absolutely. Serve it over cauliflower mash or steamed vegetables instead of rice or pasta.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. It stores well and reheats without losing much texture, making it ideal for busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s bold, creamy, satisfying, and quick enough for a weeknight while still impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re building your creamy chicken dinner collection or just need a reliable go-to meal, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your rotation.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet
Equipment
- Large Skillet (12-inch preferred)
- Tongs
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1.5–2 lb total; pound to even thickness if needed
- 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika sweet or smoked
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced (use 6 cloves if you love strong garlic flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter sauce (may be thinner)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated melts best (avoid shelf-stable shaker parmesan)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for finishing
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for gentle heat
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels so they sear properly. If they are very thick on one side, gently pound to an even thickness for faster, more even cooking.
- Season: Season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Press the seasoning in lightly so it sticks and doesn’t fall off during searing.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts and begins to foam slightly, the pan is ready.
- Sear the chicken (first side): Add chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Do not move it for 4–5 minutes. This contact time builds a golden crust and deep flavor for the sauce.
- Sear the chicken (second side): Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage because it will finish in the sauce.
- Rest briefly: Transfer chicken to a plate. Let it rest while you build the sauce. This keeps it juicy and prevents overcooking.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic to prevent bitterness.
- Deglaze: Pour in chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavor.
- Add cream: Lower heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream. Let it warm gently until it begins a light simmer. Do not boil hard, which can cause separation.
- Melt the parmesan smoothly: Add parmesan a little at a time, stirring after each addition until fully melted. This makes the sauce silky instead of clumpy or grainy.
- Season the sauce: Taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed. Add red pepper flakes if you want a gentle kick.
- Finish cooking the chicken in the sauce: Return chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer 6–8 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
- Thicken if needed: If your sauce seems thin, let it simmer uncovered 2–3 minutes longer. Sauce thickens as it reduces and as it cools slightly off the heat.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle parsley over the top. Serve hot over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Spoon extra sauce over everything (you’ll want to).
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