20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet – My Story & Why You’ll Love This Cozy Fall Favorite
When the crisp air starts to roll in and leaves crunch underfoot, there’s something comforting about returning to the kitchen for a quick, hearty dinner. 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet is one of those go-to meals in my house, born from a busy weeknight, a hungry family, and a craving for something both fast and flavorful. I first made this dish during a chilly autumn evening in Vermont, standing in my tiny kitchen with the smell of sautéing garlic filling the room. That night, it became an instant favorite.
This simple skillet meal brings together juicy chicken, a rich garlic cream sauce, and minimal cleanup. It’s done in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still want a meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for a cozy night alone, this 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet delivers comfort without the fuss.
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20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A cozy, flavorful chicken skillet with creamy garlic sauce, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, cooked pasta or rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken. Add cornstarch slurry if desired for a thicker sauce.
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over top. Simmer 2 more minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Serve with buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or over rice. Add spinach or mushrooms for variation. Leftovers store well and reheat beautifully.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need for 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet
A great recipe starts with simple, fresh ingredients. For this 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet, most items are pantry staples or fridge regulars. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient List:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thicker sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional add-ins:
- A handful of baby spinach for added greens
- Sliced mushrooms for earthy flavor
- Cooked pasta or rice for serving
Note: All ingredients are halal-friendly as listed.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Step-by-Step
This 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet is truly beginner-friendly. The steps are quick and easy to follow, even on your busiest night.
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Step 3: Make it Creamy
Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry now.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over top. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes. Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
For an even cozier dinner, serve over buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or this Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole as a side.
Tips for Creamy Garlic Chicken Success
Mastering the perfect 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet comes down to a few smart kitchen tips.
Slice Chicken Evenly
Thin, uniform slices cook quickly and stay tender. This keeps the cooking time down and the results juicy every time.
Don’t Burn the Garlic
Garlic turns bitter fast. Sauté just until it becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds, before adding liquids.
Let the Sauce Simmer
A gentle simmer helps thicken the sauce and melds the garlic and parmesan beautifully.
Pair this meal with One-Pan Chicken and Chorizo for a dinner party combo or casual meal prep rotation.
Variations to Try with Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet
Make this 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet your own with a few easy twists to suit dietary needs and preferences.
Gluten-Free Version
This dish is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your broth and parmesan labels to confirm they’re certified gluten-free.
Add Veggies or Pasta
Toss in spinach during the last few minutes of simmering. It wilts down and blends right in. Or stir in cooked pasta to make it a one-pan meal.
Another option is to spoon the sauce and chicken over cauliflower mash or polenta for something a little different. Craving spice? Swap in crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
Want another bold, flavorful idea? Try Bang Bang Chicken Bites as a side or appetizer.
Storage and Reheating Recommendations
Planning to prep ahead or store leftovers? Here’s how to keep your 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet fresh.
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cream sauce may thicken in the fridge, just stir in a tablespoon of water or broth before reheating.
Reheating Tips
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
Looking for other great make-ahead meals? Green Goddess Chicken Salad is a perfect cold option.
FAQs About 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! As written, this dish is low-carb and suitable for a keto diet.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Just trim any excess fat and slice them thin for quicker cooking.
How can I add more flavor?
Try adding mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like rosemary. You can also finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Serve with Juicy Baked Chicken Bites if you’re feeding a crowd.
Conclusion: A Comforting Classic in Just 20 Minutes
The 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet is more than just a quick dinner, it’s a flavor-packed comfort food that feels special with every bite. It’s perfect for busy nights, yet cozy enough for lazy weekends at home. With just one pan and minimal prep, it’s easy to see why this dish has become a reader favorite on Fresh Leaf Recipes.
If you loved this recipe, try our Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich or Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine