MomSkoop
If there’s one recipe to rely on when you need something fast, comforting, and restaurant-worthy, it’s this creamy skillet chicken. It comes together in just 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, and tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian bistro. The chicken gets perfectly golden, the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy, and the sun-dried tomatoes and basil give it that irresistible “just one more bite” flavor.
Here’s exactly how to make the dish that has earned a permanent spot in my weekly rotation.
The Secret to Perfect Chicken: Score, Season, Sear
The key to getting tender, flavorful chicken in a short amount of time starts with a simple trick: scoring. Take your three chicken breasts and lightly score them in a diamond pattern. This not only helps them cook more evenly, but it also gives all the seasoning and sauce more surface area to cling to. Think of it as creating tiny flavor channels that let the garlic, herbs, and cream soak into every bite.
Next comes seasoning—don’t be shy. Sprinkle salt and black pepper liberally on both sides. Because the chicken is so simply coated, this is where the first layer of flavor really happens.
Heat a mix of olive oil and melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The olive oil keeps things stable, while the butter adds richness and helps the chicken develop that irresistible golden crust. In a shallow bowl, add ¼ cup of flour and lightly coat each chicken breast, tapping off any excess. This thin dusting is what helps the chicken crisp beautifully when it hits the pan.
Lay the chicken into the hot skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until each piece is golden brown.
A Dreamy Garlic Cream Sauce in Minutes
In the same pan, add three chopped garlic cloves and sauté for about a minute—just until fragrant.
Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a boil, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Stir in ¾ cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan, letting everything simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
A Burst of Flavor Before the Final Simmer
Season the sauce with thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch more salt and pepper. Then add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes, which give the dish a tangy, savory kick. Nestle the chicken back into the skillet and let it simmer for 5 minutes so it absorbs the creamy, garlicky goodness.
The Perfect Finish to a Perfectly Simple Meal
Once you’re ready to plate the chicken, spoon that velvety sauce over the top, and scatter fresh basil across the dish, you’ll understand why this recipe becomes a weekly ritual.
It delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinner: comfort without heaviness, richness balanced by brightness, and big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you serve it over pasta, alongside roasted vegetables, or with a simple green salad, this creamy chicken is the kind of meal that makes any night feel special. And the best part? You can make it again next week—because you’ll definitely want to.