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 something about a rich, garlicky sauce that just hugs tender chicken so perfectly, and this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe delivers that comfort in every bite. It’s a simple skillet dish that feels fancy but comes together quickly on any weekday evening.

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

Honestly, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those meals that instantly brightens up your dinner table. It’s got a sauce so luscious you’ll want to soak up every last drop, plus it’s straightforward enough for even beginner cooks.

Speedy yet impressive: You can make delicious, restaurant-worthy chicken in under 40 minutes.
Flavor-packed garlic goodness: Roasted garlic mellows out beautifully, giving the sauce a deep, savory character.
One-pan ease: Cooking everything in the same skillet means less cleanup and maximum flavor.
Super versatile: Easily customize it with herbs, veggies, or protein swaps to suit your mood.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe plays a key role—from the tender chicken breasts to the rich cream and caramelized garlic. Here’s a quick rundown on why these ingredients make this dish shine and what you should look for while shopping.

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: Using boneless, skinless breasts cut into thin cutlets ensures quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant herb blend that complements the garlic without overpowering.
All-purpose flour: Helps create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly later.
Olive oil and butter: Both provide rich fat for searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic, balancing flavor beautifully.
Whole garlic bulb: Fresh garlic cloves roast down in the pan for a mellow, buttery garlic flavor that’s not too sharp.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from being too heavy or one-dimensional.
Heavy cream: Creates that silky, luxurious texture that coats the chicken perfectly.
Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor subtly in the sauce, layering it nicely.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout to balance and enhance all the other flavors.

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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 tweaking this recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or how hearty I want my dinner to be. Don't hesitate to make it your own—this skillet is a great base for all kinds of tasty additions or swaps.

Variation: For a richer flavor, I sometimes toss in a handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce right before serving—totally elevates the creaminess!
Vegetarian option: Swap chicken breasts for thick slices of portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks—they soak up the sauce beautifully.
Adding veggies: Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the sauce simmer for extra color and nutrition.
Make it spicy: If you like heat, a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce kicked this recipe up a notch for me.

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 and season the chicken

I start by filleting each chicken breast into thinner cutlets so they cook quickly and evenly. Then, I season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Sprinkling the flour evenly over the chicken next and rubbing it in gives a subtle crust when it hits the pan, which helps lock in the juices.

Step 2: Sear the chicken till golden

Heating olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat creates the perfect combo for browning the chicken. I add the chicken pieces and cook for about 4 minutes per side, just until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. Don’t crowd the pan—give those cutlets some breathing room for the crispest results.

Step 3: Sauté the garlic gently

While the chicken rests to keep warm, I smash peeled garlic cloves with the side of my chef’s knife—this releases their flavor without overpowering. Adding the remaining butter to the skillet and cooking garlic on medium-low for about 3 minutes lets it soften and brown just right, giving off that nutty, fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen.

Step 4: Build the creamy sauce

Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, sprinkle in garlic powder, and scrape up all those flavorful browned bits. Simmering this sauce gently for around 8 to 10 minutes thickens it up beautifully. This step is key—letting it reduce concentrates all those garlicky, buttery flavors into a velvety sauce.

Step 5: Bring it all together

Finally, I return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over each piece. A quick warm-through for a couple minutes and it’s ready to serve. If you want, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Top Tip

Making this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe over the years, I've learned that the garlic step can make or break the final flavor. Here are a few tricks that have saved my sauce from lots of mishaps and boosted its depth.

Smash don’t mince: Smashing garlic cloves rather than finely mincing keeps the flavor mellow and prevents it from becoming bitter or burning.
Low and slow garlic sauté: Cooking garlic gently on medium-low heat allows it to develop sweetness without charring.
Sauce reduction: Let the cream and broth simmer long enough—about 8-10 minutes—to thicken and intensify the flavor.
Don’t skip seasoning: Taste your sauce before adding the chicken back in, and adjust salt and pepper accordingly—this balances all the richness perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is my go-to garnish here because it adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top or a few red pepper flakes if I’m feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

I often serve this creamy garlic chicken with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up that luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed green veggies—think asparagus or green beans—add a nice crisp contrast to the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve plated this skillet chicken over a bed of linguine tossed with olive oil and lemon zest, ladling the creamy garlic sauce on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a wedge of crusty bread to make guests feel especially spoiled.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills but loosens right back up when reheated gently.

Freezing

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe freezes well, too. Just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I like to warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. This helps it regain that lovely creamy texture without drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here and offer a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs might take a minute or two longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic bulb?

No worries if you don’t have a fresh garlic bulb. You can substitute with about 2.5 tablespoons of pre-minced or jarred garlic. Just add it when sautéing so it can release its flavor gently.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use a dairy-free butter substitute or extra olive oil for sautéing. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Burnt garlic can ruin the sauce, so keep the heat on medium-low when sautéing garlic and stir frequently. Also, smashing garlic cloves instead of finely chopping helps prevent burning since larger pieces cook more slowly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe has a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation—it's that reliable dish that makes the whole family happy without requiring a ton of fuss. I love how comforting and rich it feels, yet it’s easy enough for busy nights or when you want to impress without stress. Give it a try—you’ll likely find yourself making it again, just like I do whenever I want a cozy, flavorful meal.