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 deeply satisfying about the rich, velvety sauce paired with tender chicken that just melts in your mouth — and that’s precisely what you get with this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to pull together on any weeknight.

A white pan holds four browned chicken pieces covered in light creamy sauce with small white garlic cloves and sprinkled green herbs on top and around them. The sauce is smooth and light beige, filling the pan almost to the edge, with some texture showing from cooking. The chicken pieces are placed slightly apart, each with browned, slightly crispy edges. The background is a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible at the bottom right corner. 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

Whenever I make this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe, it’s like magic in the pan. The flavors are punchy but comforting, and the creamy garlic sauce turns simple chicken into something truly memorable. Plus, it comes together quickly, which is always a win.

One-pan convenience: You’ll love how everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Rich and creamy sauce: The garlic-infused cream sauce is silky and flavorful without being overwhelming.
Juicy chicken every time: Coating the chicken in flour before searing seals in the moisture for tender bites.
Customizable and approachable: Feel free to swap chicken breasts for thighs or tweak the herbs to your liking.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe plays its part in creating layers of flavor and that luscious texture. Whether it’s the simple seasoning rubbed on the chicken or the fresh garlic that’s carefully sautéed, these choices come together beautifully.

Flat lay of two fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a whole garlic bulb with cloves visible, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, a small pile of all-purpose flour on white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse Italian seasoning, a small white ceramic bowl with cracked black pepper, all arranged symmetrically and naturally, 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 thin helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
Italian seasoning: Adds subtle herbaceous warmth without overpowering the sauce.
Flour: A light coating helps create a golden crust and thickens the sauce later on.
Olive oil and butter: The combo gives a great sear and rich base for sautéing garlic.
Fresh garlic cloves: Smashing them releases more flavor, giving that authentic garlicky punch.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory moisture—don’t skip it!
Heavy cream: The star of the sauce’s silky, smooth texture.
Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor subtly without overpowering.
Salt and pepper: Essential to balance and brighten all the 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 making this recipe as is, but I also enjoy tweaking it depending on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t be shy—adding your own twist makes cooking more fun and personal!

Variation: One time, I swapped chicken thighs for breasts. The thighs stayed even juicier, and the crispy bits were incredible—it’s a great option if you want a richer bite.
Low-carb version: Skip the flour coating and use almond flour or coconut flour to keep it keto-friendly without sacrificing that golden crust.
Extra veggies: Toss in spinach or mushrooms towards the end of simmering the sauce for a quick veggie boost.
Mild or bold: Adjust garlic amounts up or down depending on whether you're a garlic fan like me!

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

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface holding a single piece of cooked chicken with a golden-brown crust, topped with a light beige creamy sauce and small garlic cloves garnished with green herbs. To the left of the chicken is a portion of Caesar salad with light green romaine lettuce leaves mixed with large pieces of toasted brownish croutons and creamy white dressing. In the background, a few green parsley leaves peek into the frame. Near the plate, a striped black and white cloth and a metal fork are partly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Like a Pro

Start by filleting each chicken breast into thin cutlets—that helps them cook quickly and evenly. Then season well with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Don’t skip lightly dredging the chicken in flour; this simple step helps get that golden-brown crust and later thickens the sauce. Make sure you rub the flour in gently so every bit is covered but not clumpy.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes per side—you're aiming for a golden crust and chicken cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil; this keeps it warm and juicy.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic to Aroma Heaven

Peel the garlic cloves and smash them with the flat side of your knife—that releases more aromatic oils. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic cloves, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cook gently for about 3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant, stirring often so they don’t burn. This step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’s pure comfort.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the garlic powder. Stir everything together, scraping up those wonderful brown bits stuck to the pan—those are flavor gold! Let the sauce simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes. You'll notice it thicken and reduce to a rich, luscious consistency. At this point, taste and adjust salt and pepper to perfection.

Step 5: Finish by Reuniting Chicken and Sauce

Return your chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the sauce. Spoon that creamy garlic goodness over the top and let it warm through for a few minutes. The chicken soaks up the sauce’s flavor beautifully. I like to finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness—then, it’s ready to serve!

Top Tip

After making this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe more times than I can count, I’ve learned little tricks that make a big difference. These will help you get that perfect texture and flavor every single time.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear the chicken in batches if needed so it browns instead of steams.
Use fresh garlic when you can: It turns out far more fragrant and flavorful than pre-minced versions, though those work in a pinch.
Simmer gently: Keep the sauce at a low simmer to avoid curdling and get that creamy texture.
Rest before serving: Letting the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking locks in those juicy juices.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh chopped parsley sprinkled right before serving—it adds a fresh, bright note that balances the richness. Sometimes I squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over it, too, which really wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy risotto to soak up that sauce. For something lighter, steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad provide a fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving the chicken over a bed of fluffy couscous or lemon herb quinoa, garnished with extra garlic cloves and edible flowers for a fancy touch. It always sparks compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for about 3 days. The sauce thickens in the fridge, so it tastes even better the next day after it rests.

Freezing

If I want to freeze it, I separate the chicken and sauce if possible, then freeze in freezer-safe containers. The sauce freezes well and reheats without losing that lovely creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken and sauce together on low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if it’s too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat to maintain texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe and tend to stay even juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they cook through.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

You can use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic really makes the sauce pop with flavor. If using pre-minced, about 2 ½ tablespoons replaces the fresh cloves well.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should reduce by roughly half and become nice and creamy, coating the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin after simmering, continue cooking gently a few extra minutes until it thickens to your liking.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based spread. The flavor will differ slightly but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen, especially when I need something comforting but quick. The combination of browned chicken, buttery garlic, and silky sauce is just unbeatable. I promise, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again — it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a go and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!