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Creamy Herb Chicken Skillet

Creamy Herb Chicken Skillet

A quick and satisfying one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, herb-infused creamy sauce. This Creamy Herb Chicken Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights, combining fresh herbs, garlic, and a luscious cream sauce for a comforting yet elegant meal that’s family-friendly and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Herbs & Aromatics

  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Fats & Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs 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 on both sides and nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Build the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and fresh herbs, sautéing briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom for enhanced flavor.
  3. Add Cream and Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Let the sauce gently bubble and thicken slightly while warming. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy herb sauce. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing flavors to meld.
  5. Optional Add-ins: If using mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables, add them during the simmer step so they soften without losing color or texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juiciness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to allow proper browning instead of steaming.
  • Fresh herbs provide superior flavor and aroma compared to dried herbs.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or water.
  • Allow the dish to rest a few minutes after cooking to let flavors meld.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days; stir before reheating to restore sauce texture.
  • The recipe can be made dairy-free by swapping heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken, herb chicken skillet, one-pan chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, family-friendly chicken