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 irresistibly comforting about a rich, velvety sauce paired with tender chicken — and that’s exactly what makes the Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe so special. The garlic flavor seeps into every bite, and the skillet method means you get that perfect golden sear with minimal fuss. Trust me, it’s a dinner you’ll want on repeat.

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

This recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s foolproof, packed with flavor, and always gets rave reviews around the table. Plus, the creamy garlic sauce feels so indulgent but comes together pretty quickly.

Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of what you need already in your pantry, from garlic to chicken broth.
One-Skillet Cooking: Less mess and minimal cleanup means you can enjoy your meal without dreading the sink.
Rich, Creamy Sauce: The sauce is luxuriously smooth and perfectly garlicky without being overpowering.
Versatile and Customizable: This recipe adapts well to what you have on hand, making it perfect any night of the week.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a vital role in building that creamy garlic goodness. I especially love that this uses whole garlic cloves that gently cook down into sweet, mellow bites instead of just raw garlic powder.

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: Choose boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy slicing into cutlets.
Italian seasoning: Adds a subtle herbal note without overwhelming the garlic flavors.
Salt & black pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce properly.
All-purpose flour: Helps create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce later on.
Olive oil & butter: Together they make a flavorful fat base for searing and sautéing.
Garlic bulb: Fresh garlic cloves bring that deeply aromatic, garlicky punch when sautéed.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and thins the sauce just enough before thickening.
Heavy cream: The key to a luscious, smooth sauce that clings to every bite.
Garlic powder: Boosts the roasted garlic flavor without adding raw sharpness.

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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 dish depending on the season and what’s in the fridge. You can easily swap chicken breasts for thighs or add veggies to the skillet to make it a full meal in one pan.

Variation: I sometimes throw in sliced mushrooms or spinach during the sauce simmer phase to add extra texture and nutrition — it’s delicious and sneaky good!

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 Your Chicken

First, I like to slice the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets — this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Then, sprinkle your Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper all over both sides. Next, dust the chicken with flour, rubbing it in well so each piece has a light coating. This will lift the sauce later and add a little crispiness to the chicken’s exterior.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. When it’s shimmering, carefully lay the chicken pieces down without crowding the pan. Cook each side for about 4 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm — don’t skip this step or the chicken will dry out!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

While the chicken rests, peel and smash the garlic cloves gently with the side of your knife — this releases the flavor without pulverizing them into mush. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet, then toss in the garlic. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until the cloves turn golden and fragrant. This step infuses the sauce with that mellow roasted garlic aroma that’s just irresistible.

Step 4: Build and Simmer the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle the garlic powder into the skillet. Use your spatula to scrape up those tasty browned bits from the bottom — all that flavor is worth it! Let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, until it reduces by half and thickens. Taste and add a pinch more salt and pepper if you like — small adjustments here make all the difference.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken back to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over each piece. Allow everything to warm together for a few minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. Optional but highly recommended: sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor. Then dive in and enjoy!

Top Tip

In all my attempts at this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe, a few tricks helped me get it just right—so I’m passing them on to you to save time and flavor heartbreak.

Don’t Skip the Resting: Letting the cooked chicken rest on a plate keeps juices locked in and keeps your chicken tender instead of dry.
Gentle Garlic Sauté: Watch your garlic closely while sautéing—burnt garlic turns bitter fast, so keep it moving in the pan.
Scrape Flavorful Bits: Those brown bits on the skillet bottom are gold — scraping them into your sauce builds deep, savory layers.
Adjust Salt Late: Since broth adds saltiness, wait until your sauce reduces before adding extra salt so you don’t overshoot.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley — it adds a lovely color contrast and a bright herbaceous note that cuts through the richness beautifully. A squeeze of lemon juice on top is a great option sometimes too when I want a bit more brightness.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides include buttery mashed potatoes or creamy risotto that soak up the garlic sauce. Roasted green beans or a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette also balance the richness well.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like plating the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach with a drizzle of the creamy sauce and a few roasted cherry tomatoes on the side—it looks so vibrant and inviting, plus tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay great for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you wrap it tightly—freeze in portions to make reheating easier. When thawing, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

I reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a small splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy and tender, plus they add a bit more richness to this creamy garlic dish.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk with a little cornstarch whisked in can work, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. For dairy-free, coconut milk is an option though it changes the flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the fridge. Then gently reheat and combine before serving to keep everything fresh and tasty.

How do I prevent garlic from burning?

Keeping the heat to medium-low and stirring frequently are key to sautéing garlic without burning. If your garlic starts browning too fast, lower the heat immediately to avoid bitterness.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe is the kind of dish that feels special yet is so easy it quickly became part of my regular dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding family or cooking for yourself, the luscious garlicky sauce paired with perfectly seared chicken will make you smile. Give it a try — I’m betting it’ll become one of your favorites too!