Easy Creamy Chicken Skillet Recipe

Katherine

Honoring generations of culinary artistry.

Let me tell you, weeknight dinners in our house can sometimes feel like a culinary tightrope walk. Between after-school activities, homework battles, and the ever-present chorus of “What’s for dinner?”, finding something that’s both quick, satisfying, and actually enjoyed by everyone feels like winning the lottery. That’s where this Easy Creamy Chicken Skillet recipe swooped in and saved the day – and countless weeknights since. From the first sizzling sound in the pan to the last creamy, flavorful bite, this dish has become an absolute staple in our kitchen. Even my pickiest eater, who usually eyes anything “creamy” with suspicion, devours this without complaint. The tender chicken, bathed in a rich, luscious sauce, paired with your favorite sides? It’s pure comfort food magic, but surprisingly simple to whip up. Honestly, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, requires minimal effort, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, look no further. This creamy chicken skillet is about to become your new best friend.

Ingredients

To embark on this culinary adventure, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients. This recipe is designed to be adaptable, so feel free to make minor adjustments based on your preferences and what you have on hand. High-quality ingredients will always elevate the final dish, but even pantry staples will create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. For even cooking, aim for breasts of similar thickness. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat, just ensure they are boneless and skinless.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin olive oil. This is for searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables. You can substitute with avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil if needed.
Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted butter. Butter adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce. Salted butter can be used, but reduce the added salt later in the recipe.
Onion: 1 medium, yellow onion, diced. Yellow onions provide a mild, savory base flavor. White or sweet onions can also be used.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor. If using garlic powder, use about 1 teaspoon and add it with the other seasonings.
Mushrooms: 8 oz, cremini mushrooms, sliced. Cremini mushrooms (baby bellas) have a deeper, earthier flavor than white button mushrooms. White button mushrooms, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms are also great options.
Fresh Thyme: 2 teaspoons, fresh thyme leaves. Thyme adds a lovely herbaceous and slightly lemony note. Dried thyme can be substituted, use about 1 teaspoon.
Chicken Broth: 1 cup, low sodium chicken broth. Low sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. Vegetable broth can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup, heavy cream or heavy whipping cream. Heavy cream is essential for the rich, creamy sauce. For a slightly lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty, and umami flavor to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best, but pre-grated can be used for convenience.
All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon. A small amount of flour helps to thicken the sauce. Cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative, use about 1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, and add it at the end to thicken.
Salt: To taste. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust as needed.
Black Pepper: To taste. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for the best flavor.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional). Parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients prepped and ready, let’s dive into the simple steps to create this delectable creamy chicken skillet. This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them to sear properly and develop a nice golden crust. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s crucial for flavorful chicken.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to comfortably fit all the chicken breasts in a single layer without overcrowding. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and nicely seared. The goal here is to develop color and flavor, not to cook the chicken through completely at this stage.
Remove Chicken and Sauté Aromatics: Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the softened onions. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened, have released their moisture, and are starting to brown slightly. The mushrooms should be tender and fragrant.
Stir in Flour and Thyme: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step helps to create a roux and thicken the sauce. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves. Cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the thyme to become fragrant.
Add Chicken Broth and Cream: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (this is called deglazing and adds tons of flavor). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
Simmer and Finish: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure it is safely cooked. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously once the cream is added, as it may cause it to separate.
Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is already salty, so taste before adding more salt. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

This nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, portion sizes, and cooking methods. It is calculated per serving based on dividing the entire recipe into 4 servings.

Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving (Estimated): 650-750 calories (This is an estimated range. The exact calorie count will depend on the fat content of the cream, the type of chicken, and added ingredients.)

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving (Estimated):

Protein: 50-60g
Fat: 40-50g (Primarily from cream, butter, and olive oil)
Saturated Fat: 25-35g (From cream and butter)
Cholesterol: 250-300mg
Sodium: 400-600mg (Varies based on broth and cheese)
Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Fiber: 2-3g
Sugar: 2-3g (Naturally occurring in ingredients)

Important Note: This recipe is relatively high in fat and calories due to the heavy cream and butter. For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. Portion control is also key when enjoying richer dishes.

Preparation Time

This recipe is designed for speed and ease, making it perfect for weeknight meals. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation and cooking time:

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (This includes chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and prepping the chicken.)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (This includes searing the chicken, sautéing vegetables, making the sauce, and simmering everything together.)
Total Time: 40-50 minutes

From start to finish, you can have this delicious and satisfying creamy chicken skillet on the table in under an hour, making it a fantastic option when time is of the essence but you still crave a homemade and flavorful meal.

How to Serve

The versatility of this Easy Creamy Chicken Skillet is one of its greatest strengths. It pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides, allowing you to create a complete and balanced meal tailored to your preferences and what you have on hand. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Over Grains:
- Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta shape. Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rotini all work wonderfully to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or wild rice are excellent choices for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Quinoa: For a healthier and protein-rich option, serve over cooked quinoa.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta provides a luxurious and comforting base for the chicken and sauce.
With Vegetables:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are fantastic complements to the creamy chicken. The roasted vegetables provide a nice textural contrast and added nutrients.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed green beans, broccoli, or peas offer a lighter and quicker side dish.
- Sautéed Spinach or Kale: Wilted spinach or kale adds a healthy dose of greens and a slightly bitter counterpoint to the richness of the sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Classic creamy mashed potatoes are always a comforting and delicious pairing with creamy chicken.
With Bread:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread, like baguette or sourdough, for soaking up every last bit of the delicious creamy sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Garlic bread adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to the meal.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up the sauce and enjoying alongside the chicken.
Garnishes & Extras:
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or basil adds a pop of freshness and visual appeal.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the finished dish.
- Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
- Extra Parmesan Cheese: Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who want an even cheesier experience.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Easy Creamy Chicken Skillet is a resounding success every time, here are five helpful tips to elevate your cooking experience and the final dish:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Searing Chicken: Overcrowding the pan will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in less browning and flavor. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches to ensure each piece has enough space to develop a golden crust. Proper searing is crucial for building flavor in this dish.
Pat Chicken Dry Before Searing: Moisture is the enemy of browning. Patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing removes excess surface moisture, allowing them to brown more effectively and develop a beautiful sear. This simple step makes a significant difference in both texture and flavor.
Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients: While this recipe is forgiving, using fresh, high-quality ingredients will always result in a more flavorful and delicious dish. Fresh garlic and thyme, good quality chicken broth, and flavorful Parmesan cheese will all contribute to the overall taste. Especially when the ingredient list is short, the quality of each ingredient shines through.
Adjust Sauce Consistency to Your Preference: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few minutes longer after adding the cream to allow it to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, if you want a thinner sauce, you can add a splash more chicken broth or cream. The beauty of cooking at home is that you can customize the recipe to your exact liking.
Make it Ahead for Easier Weeknights: You can prepare the creamy chicken skillet up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during refrigeration. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping or busy weeknights.

FAQ Section – Ingredients

Here are some frequently asked questions about the ingredients and potential substitutions for this Easy Creamy Chicken Skillet recipe:

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are a delicious and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work best in this recipe. They may require slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through, so be sure to check their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Chicken thighs will also result in a richer and more flavorful dish due to their higher fat content.

Q2: I don’t have cremini mushrooms. Can I use white button mushrooms?

A: Yes, white button mushrooms are a perfectly acceptable substitute for cremini mushrooms. While cremini mushrooms have a slightly earthier and more robust flavor, white button mushrooms will still work well and provide a classic mushroom flavor. You can also experiment with other mushroom varieties like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for different flavor profiles.

Q3: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lighter?

A: Making this recipe dairy-free or lighter requires some substitutions, but it is possible. For a dairy-free version, you can use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to mimic a cheesy flavor. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less thick and rich. You can also reduce the amount of butter or use olive oil instead.

Q4: I don’t have fresh thyme. Can I use dried thyme or other herbs?

A: Yes, dried thyme can be used as a substitute for fresh thyme. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for every 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme. You can also experiment with other herbs like dried oregano, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for different flavor variations. Fresh parsley is a great addition at the end for freshness, regardless of the thyme you use.

Q5: Can I add vegetables other than mushrooms?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables to this creamy chicken skillet. Spinach, bell peppers, asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts would all be delicious additions. Add heartier vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus along with the mushrooms to sauté. Add delicate vegetables like spinach towards the end, just before adding the cream, so they wilt but don’t become mushy. This is a great way to customize the recipe and add extra nutrients and flavors.