This creamy garlic parmesan chicken skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero.

It’s a delicious, family-friendly meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you need something satisfying on the table without a lot of fuss.

Imagine tender chicken bathed in a rich, velvety sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese – all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. This recipe delivers big on flavor and convenience, proving that a truly delicious dinner doesn’t have to be complicated.

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Time Needed From Start To Finish
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true winner for anyone looking to simplify their dinner routine without sacrificing taste. It’s designed for busy parents, new cooks, or anyone who appreciates a hearty, comforting meal that’s ready in a flash. You’ll love how quickly the chicken cooks to juicy perfection, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the creamy sauce. It’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner when time is tight, but you still want to serve something homemade and nourishing. The one-skillet approach means less washing up, which is always a bonus after a long day. It’s also incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to what you have on hand or what your family prefers.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients before you start cooking is the best way to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.

INGREDIENTS:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

For simple substitutions, you can easily swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and even juicier results. If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be slightly less thick and rich. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your liking – if you’re a garlic lover, an extra clove or two won’t hurt! Dried oregano or basil can be used if you don’t have Italian seasoning, just use about 1/4 teaspoon of either.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious creamy garlic parmesan chicken skillet. The key is to get a good sear on the chicken before building the sauce.

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. If using larger chicken breasts, you might want to slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets, which cook faster and more evenly.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm.
Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine it with the garlic and any browned bits from the chicken (this adds flavor!). Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken skillet is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking, making it easier for little hands to manage. You could also add a handful of frozen peas or corn to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking for a hidden veggie boost.

For a more substantial meal, serve this chicken over a bed of pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, allowing the creamy sauce to coat every strand. Mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice are also excellent choices for soaking up all that delicious sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, pair it with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad. A crusty baguette is also perfect for dipping into the extra sauce.

To add more vegetables, consider stirring in some fresh spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. For a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the Italian seasoning. This dish also works wonderfully for a casual buffet-style gathering; simply keep it warm in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting after cooking.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have a few common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will help you achieve perfect results every time.

One common mistake is overcrowding the skillet when searing the chicken. If you put too many pieces of chicken in at once, the pan temperature drops, and the chicken will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less golden exterior. To avoid this, cook the chicken in batches if necessary, ensuring there’s enough space between each piece.

Another slip-up can be overcooking the garlic. Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter, ruining the flavor of your sauce. Keep the heat at medium or medium-low when sautéing garlic and stir it constantly for just about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned.

When adding the Parmesan cheese, ensure the heat is low. If the cream is boiling vigorously, the cheese can sometimes clump or separate, leading to a less smooth sauce. Stir it in gradually over gentle heat until fully melted and incorporated.

Finally, don’t skip patting the chicken dry. Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken prevents it from getting that beautiful golden-brown crust. A quick pat with paper towels makes a big difference in texture and flavor.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken skillet is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated successfully. Allow any cooled leftovers to be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating, the sauce might thicken considerably. To restore its creamy consistency, gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth as needed to thin the sauce back to your desired consistency. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, using short bursts of heat and stirring in between.

Making this dish ahead of time isn’t ideal for the chicken itself, as reheating can sometimes dry it out slightly. However, you can prepare components in advance. For example, you can mince the garlic and grate the Parmesan cheese a day or two before. This will shave off a few minutes from your prep time when you’re ready to cook.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Pat it very dry to ensure a good sear.

What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use? Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give you the best flavor and melt more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.

My sauce is too thin, how can I thicken it? If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it gently for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute until thickened.

My sauce is too thick, how can I thin it out? If the sauce becomes too thick, especially after sitting, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of milk, chicken broth, or even water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I add other herbs? Absolutely! Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme would all be delicious additions. Add fresh herbs at the very end of cooking, just

FAQs

Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

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