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Creamy Herb Chicken Skillet

Creamy Herb Chicken Skillet

Creamy Herb Chicken Skillet is a hearty and effortless meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious, herb-infused cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a rich, comforting flavor perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Versatile and family-friendly, it can be served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread and requires minimal cleanup as everything cooks in one skillet.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or rosemary), chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered juices in the pan.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and your choice of fresh herbs. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This step releases the herbal and garlicky flavors that form the base of the sauce.
  3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Simmer gently for about 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated, creating a velvety sauce.
  4. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the creamy sauce. If using optional vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, add them now and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables soften and the flavors meld. Heat everything through before serving.

Notes

  • Pat dry the chicken breasts before cooking to achieve a better sear and avoid steaming.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook chicken in batches if necessary for even browning.
  • Use fresh herbs rather than dried for the best flavor impact.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to prevent cream from separating or becoming grainy.
  • Grate your own Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy chicken, herb chicken skillet, quick chicken dinner, one pan chicken, gluten free chicken recipe, family friendly chicken