Creamy Skillet Chicken (One-Pan 25-Minute Dinner)

Sizzling Creamy Skillet Chicken in a garlic parmesan sauce garnished with fresh parsley.

This Creamy Skillet Chicken is a decadent and comforting meal that comes together in just one pan, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight. Because everything cooks in a single skillet, the flavors meld together beautifully while keeping your kitchen cleanup to a minimum. Consequently, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner without the stress of a mountain of dishes.

Why This Creamy Skillet Chicken Works

First, searing the chicken breasts creates a golden crust that locks in moisture and adds deep flavor. Additionally, the pan drippings form the base of a rich, velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with any side dish. Furthermore, the entire process takes only 25 minutes from start to finish. Therefore, it is an ideal solution for those evenings when time is short but you still crave a hearty, homemade meal.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

To begin, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Next, place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Afterward, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while scraping the bottom of the pan to release the flavorful browned bits. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Pro Tips

If your sauce is too thick, simply add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Moreover, using room temperature cream helps prevent the sauce from curdling when added to the hot pan. Similarly, ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning to achieve the best possible sear.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. However, freezing is not recommended as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, boneless thighs work beautifully and stay very juicy.
What vegetables can I add? Spinach or sun-dried tomatoes are excellent additions to the sauce during the simmering stage.

If you love easy one-pan meals, you must try our Creamy One-Skillet Orzo with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes.