Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet for Dinner

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet is a rich and flavorful dish that has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. Featuring tender boneless chicken breasts, this easy creamy garlic chicken recipe is smothered in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan sauce. The caramelized garlic cloves add a gourmet touch, balancing perfectly with the savory gravy. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this one-pan garlic chicken dish is bound to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. Here are just a few reasons you’ll love it:

Quick and Easy: It’s a quick creamy garlic chicken meal that can be prepared in about 55 minutes.
Flavorful: The garlic cream sauce elevates the dish, making it rich and satisfying.
One-Pan Wonder: Only one skillet needed, which means less cleanup.
Versatile: You can easily add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests.
Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapted to fit a gluten-free diet.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet

Gather these items:

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and Pepper, to taste
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
⅓ cup flour
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon better than bouillon)
1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce as substitute)
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon mustard powder
3 tablespoons butter
10 whole cloves garlic
3 tablespoons flour
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet Step-by-Step

Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Lightly dredge them in the ⅓ cup of flour mixed with the 4 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the 10 whole garlic cloves and sauté them gently until they caramelize and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 4: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour over the butter and garlic, stirring continuously to form a roux. Slowly pour in the 2 ½ cups chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Add the beef bouillon cube, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, onion powder, thyme, and mustard powder. Stir and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and optional ½ cup Parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce. Continue simmering gently for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 6: Return the seared chicken breasts and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and allow the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors for an additional 10-15 minutes. Check occasionally to prevent burning and to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy garlic chicken hot, spooning extra sauce and caramelized garlic cloves on top for a delicious presentation.

Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet for Dinner - Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet

Keep these in mind:

This dish is great for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference.
For a healthy creamy garlic chicken option, consider using less cream or substituting with Greek yogurt.
Experiment with herbs like rosemary or parsley to enhance flavors.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet

This chicken skillet with garlic cream sauce pairs wonderfully with:

Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to absorb the delicious sauce.
Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta for a comforting meal.
Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a complete dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to loosen the sauce for a quick creamy garlic chicken meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet?

The secret lies in caramelizing the garlic to bring out its sweetness and depth of flavor. Using fresh ingredients and cooking on medium heat helps to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Just store them separately and reheat before serving for the best results. This makes for a great quick creamy garlic chicken meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the garlic as it can turn bitter. Also, don’t skip the simmering time for the sauce to achieve that rich flavor without lumps.

Variations of Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet You Can Try

Feel free to customize your dish with these variations:

Add spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Incorporate mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
For a spicy kick, include some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Replace chicken with shrimp for a delightful seafood twist.

For more delicious recipes, check out Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake or Creamy White Wine Mushroom Chicken. If you’re looking for a great side dish, try Honey Roasted Root Vegetables to complement your meal.