30-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet: A Quick & Delicious Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and satisfying dinner, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet is the perfect solution. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The chicken is cooked to perfection in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce, making it a meal the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in just 30 minutes, this is the ultimate no-fuss dinner recipe.
• Rich & Flavorful: The creamy garlic sauce is packed with flavor and coats the chicken beautifully.
• Perfect for Weeknights: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this a go-to recipe for busy evenings.
• Customizable: Pair it with rice, pasta, or veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet (Serves 4)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Tip: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning them.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Cream

Slowly add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and broth. Sprinkle in the thyme and let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce it for a few extra minutes or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined with the sauce. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over the top of each one. Let them cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to reheat and absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is heated through, remove from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately with your choice of sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or pasta.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give you the best flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic from jars for this recipe.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender, make sure you don’t overcook it in the skillet. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
• Choose Heavy Cream: For a rich and creamy sauce, use heavy cream or whipping cream. Lower-fat alternatives may cause the sauce to separate.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich sauce complements fluffy mashed potatoes perfectly.
• Steamed Broccoli: A healthy, vibrant side that balances the richness of the dish.
• Buttery Pasta: Toss some linguine or fettuccine in a bit of butter, and serve under the chicken for a hearty dinner.
• Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans would make a great accompaniment.

Customizing Your Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Add Vegetables: Stir in some spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes during the final stages of cooking to bulk up the meal and add extra flavor.
• Spice it Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when you add the garlic.
• Low-Carb Option: If you’re watching your carbs, serve this chicken with a side of cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and add even more flavor. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs take a bit longer to cook through.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, so it’s not recommended to freeze the chicken with the sauce. However, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and freeze it, then make the sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Healthier Variations

• Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter for a lighter version. You can also opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.
• Dairy-Free: Swap out the cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version of the sauce.

Conclusion

In just 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful, satisfying dinner on the table with this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet recipe. The combination of tender chicken, rich garlic sauce, and versatile side options makes this dish a weeknight favorite. Whether you’re feeding a family or just cooking for yourself, this recipe is sure to please.

Refresh your lunch menu with our Mediterranean Chickpea Salad recipe for a healthy and flavorful meal.