What if the ultimate comfort food could be made in just 30 minutes with one pan? Say hello to Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken—a cozy, pan-seared dish that wraps juicy chicken in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. With search interest for “garlic chicken skillet” skyrocketing over the last year, it’s clear that weeknight comfort meals are trending hard. This recipe combines everything people crave: simplicity, indulgence, and full-bodied flavor with golden pan-seared chicken, velvety herb sauce, and optional but highly recommended sides like buttery mashed potatoes and roasted veggies.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Garlic Herb Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Recommended Sides:
- Mashed potatoes (buttery, seasoned)
- Roasted carrots & potatoes
- Steamed green beans
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken
- Pound chicken to even thickness and season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Herb Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in broth and bring to simmer to thicken.
- Add cream, Dijon, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until velvety smooth (2–3 minutes).
Step 3: Combine & Finish
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top, and simmer 3–5 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with sides.
Variations
- Mushroom Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for earthy depth.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes for heat.
- Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk in place of cream and plant butter.
- Cheesy Version: Mix in Parmesan or Gruyère for extra richness.
Cooking Note
- Let chicken rest before returning to sauce to lock in juices.
- Scrape browned bits from pan for deeper sauce flavor.
- Thin the sauce with extra broth if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic chicken is delicious over mashed potatoes or pasta, but also works great with cauliflower mash for a low-carb version. Add color with roasted carrots, crispy potatoes, or steamed green beans for a classic comfort plate worthy of any dinner table.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to revive the sauce. Freeze in single portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 435
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 480mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Use light cream or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Reduce butter by half and use olive oil only. Opt for skinless chicken thighs for juicier results without sacrificing nutrition. Add spinach or kale for added greens.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: Always check for internal temperature of 165°F.
- Undercooked roux: Cook flour for a full minute to avoid floury taste.
- Boiling cream: Simmer gently to prevent curdling.
- Not seasoning in layers: Season chicken, sauce, and garnish for full flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken is the weeknight hero of comfort food. One skillet, a handful of ingredients, and a whole lot of creamy, garlicky goodness—ready in 30 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed greens for the full experience. Try it tonight, and let comfort come home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Thighs offer even more juiciness and flavor.
Q2: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Yes, sear the chicken and refrigerate. Make the sauce just before serving.
Q3: Is this gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour for the roux.
Q4: What wine pairs well?
A: Try a crisp Chardonnay or a dry Riesling to cut the creaminess perfectly.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 435 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 130mg |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken is a comforting one-pan dish with tender chicken breasts simmered in a buttery garlic sauce, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or veggies.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
Garlic Herb Sauce:
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp flour
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through; set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter and sauté garlic.
5. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux.
6. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and simmer to thicken.
7. Add cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper; simmer 2–3 minutes.
8. Return chicken to skillet and coat with sauce; simmer 3–5 minutes.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve with sides.
Notes
Do not boil the cream to prevent curdling.
Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is 165°F.
Add a splash of broth if sauce thickens too much during reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg