Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken

It’s 6pm and you need dinner fast. If you’re craving something creamy and comforting, this is for you. This Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken is a total lifesaver for busy evenings.

This is one of those recipes you’ll make on repeat. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor with very little effort. You can have a hot meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Make This Again

This will become your new favorite quick weeknight dinner staple. It is rich, satisfying, and incredibly reliable. As the weather turns cooler in the Fall, you need easy comfort food. This recipe delivers exactly that without any unnecessary stress.

You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now. It is a picky-eater approved meal that the whole family will love. The cleanup is minimal since everything happens in one skillet. It is the perfect way to end a long workday.

How This Comes Together

This dish comes together in one single skillet. You start by searing the chicken to get a golden crust. Then, you make a simple pan sauce in the same pan. The garlic and herbs create a deep, savory base quickly. It is a foolproof method for both beginners and pros.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients from your kitchen. Fresh garlic makes a huge difference in the final taste.

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Step-By-Step Directions

1. Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 5 to 7 minutes per side.
4. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
5. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
6. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.
7. Sauté minced garlic for approximately 60 seconds until fragrant.
8. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to deglaze the pan.
9. Incorporate dried oregano and dried thyme into the liquid.
10. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
11. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
12. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How To Serve It

Serve this Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken over buttery mashed potatoes. It also tastes incredible with al dente pasta or steamed rice. The sauce is so good you will want to soak it up. Add a side of roasted broccoli for a balanced meal. It makes a cozy meal that feels special every time.

Leftovers & Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. You might need a splash of broth to thin the sauce. This recipe is great for next-day lunches at the office. Do not freeze this as the cream may separate.

Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a better sear.
• Do not crowd the pan or the chicken will steam.
• Use freshly minced garlic rather than the jarred version.
• Whisk the sauce constantly while adding the Parmesan cheese.
• Turn down the heat if the cream starts to boil.
• Add a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken.
• Warm your plates before serving to keep the sauce creamy.

Easy Ways To Change It Up

• Add a handful of fresh baby spinach at the end.
• Stir in sliced mushrooms while sautéing the garlic.
• Swap the chicken for shrimp for an even faster meal.
• Use fresh rosemary instead of thyme for a winter vibe.

Quick Questions

How do I keep the chicken from getting rubbery?

Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer. Pull it off the heat as soon as it hits 165°F. Searing it quickly over medium-high heat also helps lock in juices.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner. Heavy cream provides the best velvety texture for this dish. If using half-and-half, simmer it a bit longer to thicken.

I hope you love this easy meal as much as I do. It really is the ultimate comfort food for a busy night. Give it a try this week and let me know!

— Ethan

Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
• 0.5 teaspoon sal t
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Method

 

1. Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
5. Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, and sauté minced garlic for approximately 60 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to deglaze the pan drippings.
7. Incorporate dried oregano and dried thyme; bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
8. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce achieves a thickened consistency.
9. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece to coat.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.