Name: Garlic Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-6 chicken thighs boneless; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 cup all purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cooking oil (I use avocado oil); 2 tablespoons butter; 5 cloves garlic (diced or minced); 1 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a perfectly cooked chicken tossed together with bold flavors. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet captures that irresistible melding of tastes and textures that draws everyone to the table. The tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce create a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug after a long day. It’s hard to resist the allure of buttery garlic and creamy goodness, and once you set this dish in front of your loved ones, you’ll see the magic unfold.

Pin this for later!

I first discovered the joy of a garlic chicken skillet on a chilly weeknight when I was searching for a recipe that was quick enough not to keep me in the kitchen all evening but still felt like a cozy meal. The beauty of this dish lies not only in how quickly it comes together—about 30 minutes—but also in its versatility. Whether it’s a casual dinner with the family or a gathering with friends, this Garlic Chicken Skillet impresses every time. The exciting aromas wafting through your kitchen will have mouths watering in anticipation!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Garlic Chicken Skillet
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Garlic Chicken Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 5 minutes of prep and a mere 30 minutes of cooking, this dish is ready in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, creamy sauce, and tender chicken offers a flavor explosion in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The inviting golden-brown chicken pieces glazed in a creamy sauce make for a beautiful presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a weeknight dinner, served over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for dipping.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by substituting flour and checking broth ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4-6 boneless chicken thighs: Tender chicken thighs are perfect for this dish as they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking. You can also use boneless chicken breasts if preferred.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend adds depth and a fragrant note to the chicken. Feel free to mix your own with dried basil, oregano, and rosemary for a personal touch.
1/2 teaspoon sea salt: A key ingredient to enhance the flavors of the chicken and sauce. Adjust based on your taste preference.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and enhances overall flavor.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This coats the chicken, helping it to achieve a nice golden crust while thickening the sauce.
2 tablespoons cooking oil: I recommend avocado oil for its high smoke point and neutral flavor. Olive oil is a great alternative.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the sauce and a delicious buttery flavor.
5 cloves garlic, diced or minced: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch and depth that’s hard to replicate with powder.
1 cup chicken broth: Use low-sodium for a lighter dish; it forms the base of the luscious sauce.
3/4 cup heavy cream: This creates the creamy consistency that coats the chicken beautifully. You can swap it with half-and-half for a lighter version.
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tanginess that balances the richness of the cream.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: An extra kick of garlic flavor complements the real thing nicely.
1/4 teaspoon sea salt: For the sauce, adjust according to taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a touch to enhance the flavor profile.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, this sprinkle does the trick.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Skillet

Season & Coat the Chicken: Start by mixing 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper in a small bowl. Add the chicken thighs and toss them until they’re well coated with the seasoning mix. Next, sprinkle in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and toss again until each piece is evenly coated.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and pour in 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, until it develops a crispy, golden crust and releases easily from the pan. Flip the chicken and cook the other side until fully cooked through, about another 5 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: Lower the heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of butter into the same skillet. Let it melt, then stir in the 5 cloves of diced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, stirring frequently—this is where the magic begins!
Make the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 3/4 cup of heavy cream, then add 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, along with another 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and black pepper. If you like a spicy kick, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer on medium-low until it reduces by about half. Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning as you like.
Simmer the Chicken: Finally, add your chicken back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Allow it to simmer on low until the chicken is heated through—just a few minutes should do. Now, your dinner is ready to shine!

Storing & Reheating

You can easily store leftover Garlic Chicken Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For any longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture if necessary. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F in the thickest part for perfectly juicy results.
If you find your sauce too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
For a healthier option, swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt, stirring it in at the end for a tangy alternative.
Pair this dish with fresh vegetables or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet not only promises delicious flavors but also offers a wonderful opportunity for kitchen creativity. Whether you stick to the original recipe or venture with new ingredients, the possibilities remain endless. So why not invite friends or family to gather around the table for this delightful dish? Kid-approved and adult-friendly, this recipe encourages everyone to come together and enjoy every spoonful.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, boneless chicken breasts can work well too. Just be sure to adjust cooking times, as breasts may require a bit less time due to being leaner.

What can I serve with Garlic Chicken Skillet?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. You can even serve it over zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option!

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free butter option. This way, you can enjoy a creamy sauce without any dairy!

How do I store the leftovers?

Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If freezing, store them in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Just remember to carefully reheat the sauce, as freezing can cause it to thicken.

⭐ If you make my Garlic Chicken Skillet recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇

Garlic Chicken Skillet