Chicken breast is the star of this dish, cooked in a skillet with garlic and cream for a rich, comforting flavor.
This recipe works best with a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
It’s ideal for families who want a tasty yet quick meal without the hassle of multiple pans or hours in the kitchen.
About the Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
These are the main protein. If you can’t find them, use chicken thighs instead, though they will be slightly fattier.
1/4 cup (50g) butter
Butter adds a rich base for the sauce. You can use olive oil as a substitute if you prefer a lighter option.
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
Fresh garlic is best, but you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar if needed. Just use a little less to avoid bitterness.
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
Heavy cream gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, use whole milk or half-and-half.
1/2 cup (120g) shredded cooked chicken (optional)
This adds extra flavor and texture. Use leftover rotisserie chicken if you prefer to save time.
1/2 cup (75g) grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. You can substitute with any hard cheese like Pecorino or cheddar.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the flavor. Adjust to taste, or use a salt-free seasoning blend if desired.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle heat. You can use other seasonings like paprika or thyme if you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, any hard cheese like cheddar, Pecorino, or Gruyère will work. It should melt smoothly into the sauce.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is golden brown on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but the chicken should be cooked just before serving for the best texture.
Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt, then sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Do not flip too often to avoid breaking the chicken.
3. Add the cream
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add cheese and seasonings
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
5. Add optional shredded chicken
If using, toss in the shredded cooked chicken and stir until well combined. This adds more texture and depth to the dish.
6. Remove from heat
Take the skillet off the stove and let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving. This ensures the meat stays tender and juicy.
Delicious Variations
- Add frozen peas or spinach to the skillet during the last 2 minutes of cooking for a quicker veggie addition.
- Top the dish with crispy bacon or crumbled cooked sausage for extra texture and protein.
- Use a splash of white wine or lemon juice instead of cream for a lighter, tangier version.
How to Store Don't miss out on this easy weeknight dinner for family!
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so reheat gently.
Freezer
Freeze in a shallow container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir frequently to avoid burning the sauce.
This creamy garlic chicken skillet is a go-to for any weeknight meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can serve a hearty and flavorful dish to your family in no time.
Don't miss out on this easy weeknight dinner for family!
This creamy garlic chicken skillet is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that feeds the whole family in just 20 minutes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup (50g) butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120g) shredded cooked chicken (optional)
- 1/2 cup (75g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat the skillet — Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt, then sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 2Cook the chicken — Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Do not flip too often to avoid breaking the chicken.
- 3Add the cream — Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 4Add cheese and seasonings — Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- 5Add optional shredded chicken — If using, toss in the shredded cooked chicken and stir until well combined. This adds more texture and depth to the dish.
- 6Remove from heat — Take the skillet off the stove and let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving. This ensures the meat stays tender and juicy.
