30-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

This 30-minute creamy garlic parmesan chicken skillet is the answer to busy weeknights when you want something indulgent without the fuss. The sauce is built on a foundation of sautéed garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan, creating a velvety texture that clings to every bite of juicy chicken.

The key to this dish is searing the chicken first to develop a golden crust, then building the sauce in the same pan to capture all those flavorful browned bits. With minimal prep and a single skillet, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in half an hour.

About the Ingredients

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pounded to even thickness for quick, even cooking. Substitute with chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil

For searing the chicken. Use a neutral oil like canola if preferred.

3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter

Adds richness to the sauce. Substitute with olive oil for a lighter version.

4 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is essential; avoid pre-minced for best flavor.

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

For a luscious sauce. Use half-and-half for a lighter option, but sauce will be thinner.

1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated parmesan cheese

Buy a block and grate it yourself; pre-shredded won't melt as smoothly.

1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth

Adds savory depth. Use low-sodium to control salt.

1 tsp (5g) Italian seasoning

A blend of dried herbs. Substitute with 1/2 tsp each oregano and basil.

1/2 tsp salt

Adjust to taste; parmesan is salty, so start with less.

1/4 tsp black pepper

Freshly ground for best flavor.

2 tbsp (8g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Adds color and freshness. Substitute with basil or chives.

Tips & Tricks

• Pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness to ensure it cooks through without drying out.
• Don't overcrowd the skillet when searing; cook in batches if needed to get a good golden crust.
• Stir the sauce constantly after adding parmesan to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pound and Season Chicken

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside.

3. Make Garlic Butter

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine.

5. Melt Parmesan

Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

6. Simmer and Thicken

Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.

7. Return Chicken to Pan

Nestle the chicken back into the sauce, spooning some sauce over the top. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

8. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Delicious Variations

• Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.
• Swap chicken for shrimp; cook shrimp just until pink, about 2 minutes per side.
• Make it spicy by adding 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes with the garlic.

How to Store 30-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

Frequently Asked Questions

If you loved this quick and creamy chicken skillet, try my other 30-minute dinners for more weeknight wins. Keep your money moving.

30-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

Succulent chicken in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce, ready in 30 minutes for a weeknight dinner win.

★★★★½ 4.8 (187 ratings)

10 minPrep time20 minCook time4Servings485 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1 tsp (5g) Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp (8g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Pound and Season Chicken — Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. 2Sear Chicken — Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside.
3. 3Make Garlic Butter — Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. 4Build the Sauce — Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine.
5. 5Melt Parmesan — Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
6. 6Simmer and Thicken — Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.
7. 7Return Chicken to Pan — Nestle the chicken back into the sauce, spooning some sauce over the top. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
8. 8Garnish and Serve — Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For a richer flavor, use a mix of parmesan and pecorino romano.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Nutrition (per serving): 485 kcal · 38g protein · 6g carbs · 34g fat