Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total); 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 2 Tbsp butter, divided; 1 whole garlic bulb (about 8-9 garlic cloves); 1 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

There’s just something so comforting about a luscious, velvety sauce pooling around tender chicken pieces, right? This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe hits all those cozy notes with simple ingredients and a little kitchen magic that creates the best weeknight winner. It’s got the perfect garlic punch without overpowering, and the skillet method keeps everything flavorful and easy—a total home run.

A white pan holds four pieces of browned chicken layered evenly and cooked with a smooth, creamy light beige sauce covering them partly. The sauce has a slightly thick texture with small bubbles and is dotted with finely chopped green herbs sprinkled on top and around the chicken. Three garlic cloves rest on the chicken pieces, blending into the sauce. The pan handle is visible, and a white marbled surface shows beneath with some green parsley placed near the top left. The lighting highlights the golden brown of the chicken and the creamy sauce around it photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely get excited every time I make this creamy garlic chicken skillet recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels special yet comes together quickly, which wins me over every time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to satisfy a crowd or just treat yourself on a busy evening.

Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, making it super convenient to whip up.
Flavor-packed garlic sauce: It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with roasted garlic flavor without being too heavy.
Fast skillet method: Cooking everything in one pan means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
Flexible and forgiving: Easy to customize with whatever herbs or sides you love.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a part in creating that perfect creamy garlic chicken skillet magic. I like to highlight a few for why they’re my go-to choices and how you might pick the best ones at the store.

Flat lay of two raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a whole garlic bulb with several loose garlic cloves scattered beside it, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl of butter chunks, a small white bowl of chicken broth, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of mixed Italian seasoning, salt crystals and whole black peppercorns arranged neatly on the side 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

Chicken breasts: I usually buy boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking and easy slicing into cutlets. Thinner pieces cook evenly without drying out.
Italian seasoning: A little blend of herbs adds just enough complexity without stealing the spotlight from the garlic sauce.
Flour: This coats the chicken to help it brown nicely and also thickens the sauce later on.
Butter: Crucial for that rich flavor. I split it between searing and sautéing garlic for max taste.
Whole garlic bulb: Roasting whole cloves in the pan creates mellow, nutty garlic notes that differ from raw garlic’s sharp punch.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth, so the sauce isn’t just creamy but truly flavorful.
Heavy cream: The star ingredient for that silky smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Garlic powder: A little extra garlic boost that layers nicely with the sautéed garlic cloves.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love to tweak this creamy garlic chicken skillet recipe based on what’s in season or what pantry staples I have ready. It’s really forgiving, so don’t be afraid to play around!

Variation: Sometimes, I swap chicken breasts for thighs—they stay juicy and add deeper flavor. When I do, I just watch cooking times closely to avoid overcooking.
Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich.
Herb boosters: Fresh thyme or rosemary stirred in at the end can give a lovely fresh twist, depending on your mood.
Go spicy: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice subtle heat that wakes up the creamy sauce wonderfully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

A white plate holds two main layers: on the right side is a golden-brown cooked chicken breast topped with a creamy beige sauce that has small whole garlic cloves and green herb bits scattered on top; on the left side is a green leafy lettuce salad mixed with creamy white dressing and topped with crunchy golden-brown croutons. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a black-and-white striped cloth and a silver fork visible on the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Like a Pro

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thinner cutlets. This is key for quick, even cooking. If you’re nervous about this step, just ask your butcher to do it or buy pre-cut thin chicken breasts. Season each cutlet with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then dust them with flour—rubbing it in gently so it sticks well. This coating helps get that beautiful golden crust later.

Step 2: Sear Your Chicken Until Golden

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and a tablespoon of butter until hot and shimmering. Add your chicken pieces and let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes on each side. You want that gorgeous golden color and cooked-through meat, so resist the urge to flip too soon. Remove chicken to a plate but keep that pan handy!

Step 3: Sauté Garlic to Perfect Softness

Peel all those garlic cloves, then gently smash them with the side of your knife—don’t overdo it or they’ll lose their shape. Add the remaining butter to the pan and toss in the garlic. Keep the heat medium-low and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic softens, lightly browns, and smells amazing. This slow sauté mellows the garlic so it’s creamy, not harsh.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream right into your skillet. Sprinkle in garlic powder, then stir everything well, scraping those delicious browned bits from the pan bottom. Simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes until your sauce thickens by half. Taste and tweak seasoning with salt and pepper—this step really pulls everything together.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return your golden chicken cutlets to the skillet and spoon that creamy, garlicky sauce all over them. Let the chicken warm through in the sauce for a few minutes to soak up the flavors. If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and a burst of freshness. Then, dig in!

Top Tip

Based on my many kitchen tests making this creamy garlic chicken skillet recipe, a few little tricks really helped me get that restaurant-quality creamy sauce and perfectly tender chicken every time. These tips might save you some stress and elevate your dinner game.

Don’t crowd the pan: Leave enough room for the chicken to brown, instead of steaming. If needed, cook in batches.
Keep garlic low and slow: Garlic burns fast and tastes bitter, but gentle cooking on medium-low brings out the best mellow flavor.
Scrape those brown bits: Those little crusty bits on the pan bottom hold tons of flavor—use your spatula to nab them when making sauce.
Rest your chicken briefly: Give it a minute after searing before you add sauce—this keeps it juicy and tender.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green and a fresh herb note that balances the rich sauce. Sometimes, I add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of grated Parmesan just before serving to brighten things up and add another layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

This creamy garlic chicken pairs beautifully with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for a bit of crunch. I’m partial to buttery mashed potatoes or creamy risotto on the side—both soak up that garlicky sauce so well. For a lighter option, jasmine rice or quinoa works perfectly too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this creamy garlic chicken skillet recipe plated over a bed of spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. It looks elegant when garnished with microgreens or edible flowers, making it a beautiful centerpiece that’s as tasty as it is pretty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The creamy sauce thickens overnight, so before reheating, I usually add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up and keep the chicken tender and moist.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish once or twice, but cream sauces can separate a bit when thawed. To minimize that, freeze chicken and sauce separately if possible. Thaw slowly in the fridge, then gently reheat with a little cream stirred in to bring the sauce back to life.

Reheating

When reheating, the stove is best. Heat gently over low to medium heat, stirring often, and add a tiny splash of broth or cream if the sauce feels thick or clumpy. Microwaving can sometimes make the sauce separate, so stovetop reheating keeps flavors and textures intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this creamy garlic chicken skillet recipe; just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly since thighs tend to cook faster and are juicier.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can be used, but keep in mind that it will change the richness and texture of the sauce somewhat.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Sauté the garlic on medium-low heat and stir frequently. Also, smashing whole garlic cloves gently instead of mincing them finely helps them soften without burning quickly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping butter for olive oil or a dairy-free margarine and using a coconut cream or cashew cream substitute, you can make a dairy-free version of this creamy garlic chicken skillet recipe, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

This creamy garlic chicken skillet recipe has become one of my trusted go-to dinners—comforting yet elegant enough to serve when friends drop by unexpectedly. It’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, perfect for busy nights when you want something cozy and delicious. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own!