Creamy Herb Chicken Skillet
Creamy Herb Chicken Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious herb-infused creamy sauce. This family-friendly meal is quick to prepare, uses simple pantry staples combined with fresh herbs, and pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or vegetables, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Proteins and Fats
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Aromatics and Herbs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side (depending on thickness). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic and Herbs: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Stir in fresh thyme, parsley, and oregano, letting their aroma infuse the pan for about 1-2 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Let the broth reduce slightly, then stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy herb sauce over them. Simmer together for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to be fully coated in the sauce.
Notes
- Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking and juicier texture.
- Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and ensure a proper sear.
- Add fresh herbs near the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor.
- Adjust sauce richness by choosing half-and-half for a lighter dish or heavy cream for a richer result.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices and maintain tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken, herb chicken skillet, one pan chicken, comfort food, family dinner, gluten free chicken recipe