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.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken, herb chicken skillet, one-pan chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, family-friendly chicken