20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet: The Ultimate Quick Weeknight Dinner
Busy weeknights just got easier with this 20-minute creamy garlic chicken skillet. Juicy chicken breasts in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, all made in one pan — perfect for those evenings when you need a delicious dinner fast.
Why You'll Love This Quick Weeknight Dinner
We all have those nights when we want something delicious but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. That's where this creamy garlic chicken skillet comes in. It's ready in just 20 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and is packed with flavor. Plus, it's all made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.
This recipe has become a staple in my home because it feels indulgent but is actually quite light. The creamy garlic sauce is made with half-and-half instead of heavy cream, so you get all the richness without the guilt. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to make this quick weeknight dinner come together in a flash. Most of them are pantry staples, so you might already have everything you need!
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped(optional)
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet
This quick weeknight dinner is as easy as it gets. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.
20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet
🥕Ingredients
Tap to check off as you go
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
📋Instructions
- 1
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- 3
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
- 5
Stir in half-and-half and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 6
Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 minutes until heated through.
- 7
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- •For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
- •If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir into the sauce.
Nutrition per serving
Pro Tips for the Perfect Quick Weeknight Dinner
Pro Cooking Tip
To save even more time, start boiling your pasta water before you begin cooking the chicken. That way, you can serve the creamy garlic chicken over perfectly cooked pasta in the same 20 minutes.
One of the keys to a successful quick weeknight dinner is organization. Before you start, have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This recipe moves fast, and you don't want to be scrambling for garlic when you should be stirring the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over fettuccine or angel hair pasta for a classic pairing, or with steamed rice and green beans for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping into the luscious sauce.
For a low-carb option, serve it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. The sauce clings beautifully to both, making every bite just as satisfying.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
This 20-minute creamy garlic chicken skillet is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner struggles. It's quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. With just 20 minutes and one pan, you can have a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Give it a try and enjoy a stress-free dinner tonight!
Written by
Elena RossiI'm Elena, a home cook turned recipe developer. At cooking word, I share simple, seasonal dishes inspired by my Italian roots and busy life.
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