One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast

Quick & Cozy Dinner Favorite

This one-pan creamy garlic chicken breast is the kind of dinner that feels comforting without being complicated. Juicy pan-seared chicken is nestled into a rich, garlicky cream sauce finished with Parmesan for a restaurant-quality meal made right at home. Perfect for busy weeknights, this cozy skillet recipe comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients you probably already have. Best of all, everything cooks in one pan—meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce. It’s warm, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breast halves
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 2 shallots, finely minced (or 1 small yellow onion)
• 2 Tbsp finely minced garlic
• 1 1/3 cups chicken broth or stock
• 1–1 1/3 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large heavy skillet (12-inch preferred)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Shallow bowl or plate (for flour)
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add flour to a shallow dish. Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge each piece lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter, then place chicken in the pan without overcrowding.
3. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add a small drizzle of oil if needed, then add shallots. Cook 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
5. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
6. Slowly pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream until smooth.
7. Simmer 2–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
8. Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer 2–3 minutes until glossy and thickened.

Pro Tips

• Make it extra creamy: Use the full 1 1/3 cups of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Serving ideas: Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
• Meal prep: Slice chicken before serving for easy reheating and portioning.

Conclusion

This one-pan creamy garlic chicken breast proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With tender chicken, bold garlic flavor, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a dinner that feels special while still being weeknight-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this dish delivers cozy satisfaction with minimal effort and minimal dishes. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular dinner lineup

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