Craving a restaurant-quality meal that'll make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds? Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary masterpiece with this Creamy Skillet Garlic Chicken! In just 20 minutes, you'll create a dish so luxuriously creamy and packed with flavor that it'll make you feel like a professional chef - without the complicated techniques or hours of prep time. Prepare to wow your dinner guests and satisfy even the pickiest eaters with this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and hot.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip the chicken breasts and reduce heat to medium. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tenting loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to incorporate the garlic and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese into the cream sauce, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over the top to coat evenly.
- Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan cheese or fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that seals in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing process - 30-45 seconds is perfect to release its aromatic flavors without burning.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron for even heat distribution and better browning.
- Whisk the parmesan cheese continuously into the cream sauce to prevent clumping and create a smooth texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the cream sauce.
- Let the chicken rest for a minute after cooking to help retain its juiciness when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 135mg
