If you’re craving a cozy, rich, and downright irresistible dinner, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe is about to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how the tender chicken breasts soak up that luscious, garlicky cream sauce — it’s comfort food with a touch of elegance, all made easy in one skillet. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips to get it just right every time!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Skillet Simplicity: You cook everything in one pan, saving time and cleanup.
Deep Garlic Flavor: Whole cloves caramelize beautifully, infusing the sauce with rich, mellow garlic notes.
Creamy, Comforting Sauce: The Parmesan and heavy cream twist make it lush without being overly heavy.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this — it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

The image shows a white pot filled with four browned chicken pieces covered in thick light brown sauce. The sauce has small bits and whole cloves of garlic, and some green herbs sprinkled on top. A metal spoon is partially dipped in the sauce, positioned near the bottom right piece of chicken. The pot rests on a white marbled surface with a white cloth underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet, chicken skillet recipes, garlic chicken dinner, easy creamy chicken, one-pan chicken recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe plays a special role in building those layers of flavor and perfect texture. I always recommend getting good quality chicken breasts and freshly shredded Parmesan if you can—it really makes a difference!

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 filled with shredded Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with olive oil, a small white bowl containing light golden chicken broth, a few whole garlic cloves arranged neatly, a small white bowl with soft yellow butter, a small white bowl holding heavy cream, a small pile of mixed dried Italian seasonings, a few whole black peppercorns and coarse salt crystals scattered delicately, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical arrangement on simple white ceramic dishes, 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 - Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet, chicken skillet recipes, garlic chicken dinner, easy creamy chicken, one-pan chicken recipe

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose plump, fresh pieces for juicy results; pounding them slightly if uneven helps even cooking.
Italian seasonings: This blend brings herby warmth that complements the garlic beautifully.
Flour: Used twice—for dredging the chicken and thickening the sauce; all-purpose works best.
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly shredded for superior melt and flavor intensity.
Olive oil: Adds a light fruitiness and helps get that golden sear on chicken.
Chicken broth: A savory base that adds depth; homemade or low-sodium store-bought both work great.
Beef bouillon cube: Adds an umami boost that rounds out the sauce—don’t skip this!
Soy sauce: A splash enriches the flavor, balancing the creaminess.
Onion powder: For subtle sweetness and complexity.
Dried thyme and mustard powder: These spices add unexpected warmth and bite.
Butter: For that silky finish and garlic sautéing.
Whole garlic cloves: The star of the show—slow cooking them softens the sharpness and deepens their essence.
Heavy cream: Creates that luscious sauce we all crave; full-fat ensures best texture.

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.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe is so versatile—you can easily adjust it to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Swap chicken for pork chops: I tried this once and was amazed—it’s just as tender and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream: For a dairy-free twist, this makes the sauce silky with a subtle sweetness.
Add mushrooms or spinach: Toss in some fresh veggies toward the end for extra color and nutrition.
Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added at the garlic sauté stage brings a lovely warmth that my family enjoys.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Season and Dredge Your Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry—that’s key for a crispy crust. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then lightly coat the chicken in a mix of flour and Parmesan cheese. This little dredge singlehandedly creates a flavorful crust and sets the foundation for that creamy sauce to cling to.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil over medium-high in your skillet, then add the chicken. Here’s where patience pays off—let those pieces sear without moving them for about 4-5 minutes per side till golden brown. Resist the urge to poke or move them too soon or you risk tearing the crust.

Step 3: Bake That Garlic and Build the Sauce

Reduce the heat and nestle whole garlic cloves around the chicken. Add butter and cook gently so the garlic caramelizes without burning. Sprinkle more flour over everything to thicken the sauce, then gradually whisk in chicken broth, beef bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, thyme, and mustard powder. Bring it to a simmer—the sauce should thicken and meld beautifully with the garlicky richness.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and More Parmesan

Once the sauce has thickened nicely, stir in the heavy cream and optional extra Parmesan cheese for that signature silky finish. Let it bubble gently until everything is warm and the chicken is cooked through. You’ll see the sauce coat the chicken perfectly — that’s when you know it’s ready to enjoy.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

Don’t Skip Resting the Chicken: Let it sit a few minutes off heat to keep juices locked in and sauce thickened perfectly.
Use Whole Garlic Cloves: They mellow in the sauce and are delicious spread on bread or eaten whole.
Sear Over Medium-High Heat: Searing at the right temperature ensures a golden crust without burning.
Gradually Add Broth: Pour slowly when whisking flour mixture in to avoid lumps in sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

This dish shows four pieces of browned chicken covered in a thick, creamy light brown sauce with visible green herbs mixed in. Around the chicken, there are small whole garlic cloves that are slightly shiny from the sauce. The chicken and sauce fill most of a white round pan, and the surface underneath is a white marbled texture. The edges of the pan show some sauce splashes, and the chicken pieces have a rough texture with browned spots. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet, chicken skillet recipes, garlic chicken dinner, easy creamy chicken, one-pan chicken recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil over the creamy garlic chicken for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A little extra grated Parmesan on top isn’t just decorative; it amps up the cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderful with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, which soak up every bit of that sauce. Roasted veggies or a crisp green salad add a refreshing contrast and balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this chicken on a bed of garlic and herb risotto, topped with roasted garlic cloves arranged like little jewels. It looks fancy but is surprisingly easy, and guests always ask for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so stirring in a splash of broth or cream when reheating helps revive its silky texture beautifully.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this recipe, I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately if possible. The cream sauce can sometimes separate slightly upon thawing, but gently reheating and whisking will bring it back. It’s a great option for meal prep!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Adding a little chicken broth or cream helps maintain that lovely creaminess without the sauce breaking or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs add extra moisture and flavor. Just adjust cooking times slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option or dairy-free alternative, coconut milk or half-and-half can work, though the sauce will be a bit lighter and less rich. You might want to add a bit more Parmesan for flavor.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic cloves slowly in butter over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Keeping the heat gentle helps the garlic caramelize instead of burning, which is key for that mellow flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use half the amount for cornstarch) to thicken the sauce. Be sure your bouillon is gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I discovered this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe when I was searching for a way to make an easy yet impressive meal for friends, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It strikes the perfect balance between comforting and a little fancy, and the single-pan magic makes it foolproof. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as my family does—once you try it, I bet it’ll be on your favorite list too!