One-pan comfort dinner ready in 20 minutes

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is the weeknight dinner you’ll actually look forward to. Tender, perfectly seasoned chicken is pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce that tastes like something from your favorite bistro. The best part? It’s on the table in less than 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you still want real comfort food. Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed rice with a side of greens for a complete meal. If you’ve been craving a cozy creamy garlic chicken recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and totally beginner-friendly, this one-pan classic is a must-save.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients List

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally into 4 thin “steaks”
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ¼ cup (35 g) plain all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
• ½ cup (125 ml) chicken stock
• 300 ml (10 fl oz) thickened / heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Sea salt flakes, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

To Serve

• Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta
• Steamed greens
• 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• Lemon wedges

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 deep frying pan or skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Tongs or spatula
• Small whisk or spoon

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Season & coat the chicken
   Place chicken steaks on a board and pat dry. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Add flour to a shallow dish and press each piece of chicken into the flour so all sides are lightly coated.
2. Sear the chicken
   Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large deep pan over medium–high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes total, turning once, until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside. 🍗
3. Start the garlic base
   In the same pan, add 1 tbsp butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant but not browned 🧄
4. Build the sauce
   Pour in the chicken stock and simmer for 1–2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it reduce by about half. Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Finish with Parmesan & seasoning
   Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust with sea salt and black pepper as needed. The sauce should be creamy and glossy ✨
6. Return the chicken
   Add the chicken and any collected juices back into the pan. Spoon sauce over the pieces and simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
7. Serve
   Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta with steamed greens. Top with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.

Pro Tips

• Slice chicken breasts horizontally so they cook quickly and evenly.
• Don’t skip browning those golden bits add major flavor to the sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, silkier sauce.
• If the sauce gets too thick, thin it with a splash of stock or cream.
• Great for meal prep reheat gently over low heat with a little extra cream.

Nutrition Table (Estimated)

For 1 serving (chicken + sauce only, no sides):

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	540	38g	9g	36g	0g	3g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are approximate and will vary based on specific brands, exact amounts, and side dishes served. For precise dietary information, please calculate using your own ingredients.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is the definition of quick comfort food: simple, rich, and endlessly versatile. With perfectly seasoned chicken and a lush garlic Parmesan cream sauce, it transforms pantry staples into a restaurant-style dinner in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or potatoes, this one-pan recipe is sure to become a regular in your weeknight rotation.