Dreaming of a dinner that delivers maximum flavor and feels utterly cozy—but is on your table in less than half an hour? You’ll fall head over heels for my Quick and Easy 28-Minute Meal: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet. Succulent chicken breasts soak up a luscious, velvety sauce that’s loaded with garlic, parmesan, and a kiss of cream, all in one pan. Weeknight magic, guaranteed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor—everything cooks in one skillet for easy weeknight magic.
- Restaurant Quality in Minutes: The creamy parmesan sauce feels ultra-indulgent, but you’ll have it on the table in under half an hour!
- Family Friendly: Even picky eaters are powerless to resist juicy chicken bathed in garlicky, cheesy goodness.
- Customizable Comfort: Make it your own with easy swaps, add-ins, or your favorite vegetables. Effortless and versatile!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Quick and Easy 28-Minute Meal: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet are simple but absolutely essential—each one brings a burst of flavor, rich texture, or irresistible color to the dish. You likely have most of them already waiting in your kitchen!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts stay juicy and tender in the velvety sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasoning that highlights the natural savoriness of the chicken.
- Olive oil: Gives the chicken gorgeous golden color and keeps things light.
- Garlic (lots!): The star of the show, fragrant fresh garlic brings this sauce alive.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and helps create the silky sauce base.
- Heavy cream: Makes every bite extra luxurious—so worth it for creaminess!
- Freshly grated parmesan: Nutty, salty cheese melts into the sauce for that signature flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A pinch gives the dish a lovely herby note without overwhelming it.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top at the end for a pop of green and freshness.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Quick and Easy 28-Minute Meal: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet is just how easy it is to make your own! Don’t hesitate to tailor it to your cravings, dietary needs, or whatever produce you have on hand.
- Swap the Protein: Try juicy boneless thighs, pork chops, or even shrimp for a twist on the classic.
- Add Veggies: Baby spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes wilt beautifully into the sauce and bring color and nutrition.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use your favorite dairy-free cream and vegan parmesan for an equally luscious sauce!
- Punch Up the Flavor: Stir in a splash of white wine, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or fresh basil for a little wow-factor.
How to Make Quick and Easy 28-Minute Meal: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear until beautifully golden on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side—you want that irresistible color. Remove and set aside (they’ll finish cooking in the sauce).
Step 2: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then add your garlic, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds—you’ll swoon at the aroma!). Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any golden bits from the pan for extra flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and bring everything to a simmer.
Step 3: Melt In the Parmesan & Simmer
Add the freshly grated parmesan and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese is all melty and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Return the chicken (and any juices) to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mixture. Let it all simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce hugs every bite.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish and serve immediately. That’s it—your Quick and Easy 28-Minute Meal: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet is ready for applause!
Pro Tips for Making Quick and Easy 28-Minute Meal: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet
- Golden Sear Technique: Let the pan get hot before adding your chicken—this ensures a quick, golden crust without drying out the meat.
- Fresh Garlic Magic: Use fresh, not pre-minced, garlic for that punchy, aromatic flavor that really makes the sauce pop.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Skip the pre-shredded stuff! Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a silkier finish.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: A gentle simmer helps the sauce thicken just right and keeps the cream from separating.
How to Serve Quick and Easy 28-Minute Meal: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also gild the lily with shaved parmesan or a light dusting of cracked black pepper. If you love a touch of heat, a pinch of chili flakes right before serving is fantastic!
Side Dishes
This juicy chicken begs for something to soak up all that luscious sauce: think creamy mashed potatoes, pillowy rice, or a tangle of buttered noodles. For a lighter meal, roasted veggies or a crisp green salad are equally dreamy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and serving it atop toasted sourdough, or spooning the whole skillet over a bed of sautéed spinach for a restaurant-worthy plate. Family-style in the skillet is always a crowd-pleaser… don’t forget the bread for swiping up the sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! For best results, freeze the chicken in its sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for minimal separation.
Reheating
Gently rewarm in a skillet over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. Avoid high heat so the creamy sauce stays silky.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully—just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs might need a few extra minutes to cook through.
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How can I make this Quick and Easy 28-Minute Meal: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet gluten free?
This recipe is naturally gluten free as long as you use gluten free chicken broth and double check your parmesan.
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Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Yes! Feel free to add baby spinach, mushrooms, or even halved cherry tomatoes after starting the sauce—they add color and make this Quick and Easy 28-Minute Meal even more of a winner.
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What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil), and stir the sauce as it comes together. High heat can cause the cream to curdle, so patience is key for the silkiest result.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Quick and Easy 28-Minute Meal: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet is going to become a staple. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—let it brighten your weeknight dinner rotation!
Print
10-Minute Spicy Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful recipe for [Recipe Name] brings together the flavors of [key ingredients] in a [description of dish]. Perfect for [occasion or mealtime], this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Ingredient 1 – quantity
- Ingredient 2 – quantity
- Ingredient 3 – quantity
Seasoning:
- Seasoning 1 – quantity
- Seasoning 2 – quantity
- Seasoning 3 – quantity
Instructions
- Step 1: Detailed instructions for Step 1.
- Step 2: Detailed instructions for Step 2.
- Step 3: Detailed instructions for Step 3.
Notes
- Note 1: Details of Note 1
- Note 2: Details of Note 2
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
