Speedy One-Pan Chicken Recipe: Fuss-Free Dinner Magic

Sizzling aromas fill the kitchen with this mouthwatering easy skillet chicken recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dish comes together with minimal effort.

The blend of tender chicken and rich seasonings creates a meal everyone craves.

Simple ingredients dance together in one pan, developing deep, satisfying flavors that make weeknight dinners feel special.

Fresh herbs and a splash of zesty seasoning turn ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

This skillet sensation delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques or endless cleanup.

Let’s find out a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Skillet Chicken Instructions to Follow

• Chicken Preparation

Pat chicken dry, creating a perfect canvas for seasoning with salt and pepper across all surfaces.

• Searing Magic

Heat oil in a large skillet until it dances with heat, carefully searing chicken to golden perfection on both sides.

• Flavor Foundation

Melt butter in the same pan, introducing shallots and garlic to create a fragrant base that whispers culinary promises.

• Silky Sauce Creation

Sprinkle flour into the pan, transforming the mixture into a smooth roux that will become the backbone of a luxurious sauce.

• Liquid Alchemy

Pour in half-and-half and broth, stirring gently to create a creamy landscape that captures every delicious browned bit from the pan.

• Final Harmony

Return chicken to the pan, letting it nestle into the sauce and simmer until the liquid transforms into a velvety coating that clings lovingly to each piece.

• Finishing Touch

Brighten the entire dish with a splash of lemon juice, then garnish with fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness that sings of home-cooked comfort.

Tips for Flavored Skillet Chicken Dishes

• Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to add depth to the chicken's seasoning and create a more complex taste profile.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that seals in all the delicious juices and prevents steaming.
• If your sauce turns out too thick, whisk in a little extra broth or half-and-half to reach the ideal creamy consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• No large skillet? Cast iron or stainless steel pans work wonderfully, providing excellent heat distribution and creating those mouthwatering browned bits for extra flavor.
• Swap chicken for turkey breast or pork tenderloin to create an equally delicious meal that keeps dinner exciting and matches the same cooking technique.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this skillet chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up the rich, creamy sauce perfectly.
• Bright Mediterranean Twist: Accompany the dish with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to add freshness and contrast.
• Rustic Comfort Plate: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus to create a wholesome and balanced meal that highlights the chicken's savory flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the creamy sauce with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay that enhances the dish's delicate herb and lemon notes.

Smart Storage Tips for Skillet Chicken

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Seal tightly and place in the coldest section of your refrigerator.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to restore moisture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can dry out the meat and compromise its tender texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken up to three days in advance, keeping the sauce separately. When ready to serve, reheat components together for a quick, delicious meal that tastes freshly made.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, ensuring you maintain the dish's rich, creamy consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Skillet Chicken Dinner

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that forms the heart of the dish; choose fresh, high-quality cuts with minimal visible fat for the best texture and flavor.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Rich, golden combination that creates a luxurious base for sautéing and adds depth to the sauce; use unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
• Garlic, Shallot: Aromatic powerhouses that infuse the dish with robust, slightly sweet undertones; select firm, fragrant garlic cloves and crisp shallots for maximum flavor.
• Lemon: Bright, citrusy ingredient that cuts through richness and adds a zesty freshness; pick ripe, heavy lemons with smooth, glossy skin for maximum juice.

• Flour: Magical thickening agent that transforms liquid into a silky, clingy sauce; use all-purpose flour for smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Half-and-Half or Whole Milk: Creamy liquid that creates a velvety sauce base; choose fresh, high-fat dairy for richness.
• Chicken Broth: Flavor-packed liquid that adds depth and complexity to the sauce; opt for low-sodium varieties to control salt levels.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that awakens and balances all flavors; freshly ground pepper provides the most vibrant taste.
• Parsley: Fresh, verdant herb that adds a pop of color and subtle grassy notes; choose bright green, crisp leaves for maximum visual and flavor impact.

Equipment for One-Pan Skillet Chicken

• Large skillet: Essential for searing and creating a delicious sauce.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken safely and precisely.
• Paper towels: Great for drying chicken before seasoning.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for adding the right amount of salt and pepper.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients and scraping pan.
• Cutting board: Useful for prepping shallots and garlic.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping ingredients and garnishing.
• Plate: Used for resting chicken during cooking process.

Succulent Skillet Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade creamy skillet chicken delivers comfort and flavor in one pan. Crispy golden edges and rich herbs make this simple dish perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
• 3 tbsps (44 mL) unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 mL) half-and-half or whole milk
• ½ cup (120 mL) low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small shallot (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp kosher salt (plus more for seasoning)
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus more for seasoning)
• Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 3 tbsps or 45 mL)
• 1 small lemon (thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley leaves

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season comprehensively with salt and pepper, ensuring complete coverage across all surfaces.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until surface shimmers, then carefully place chicken without overlapping. Cook 6-7 minutes until a rich golden-brown crust develops, then flip and continue cooking for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Create Sauce Base: Remove chicken and reduce skillet heat. Melt butter until foamy, then add shallots and garlic. Sauté until aromatics become translucent and release their fragrant essence, then dust with flour, stirring to create a smooth, even coating.
4. Build Sauce: Gradually pour half-and-half and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps and incorporate caramelized pan remnants. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a soft simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken for 3-4 minutes.
5. Finish and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the creamy sauce to reheat thoroughly. Complete the dish by drizzling fresh lemon juice, garnishing with chopped parsley, and serving immediately with optional lemon wedges.

Notes

• Dry Thoroughly: Completely pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming.
• High Heat Searing: Use medium-high heat to create a beautiful caramelized crust that locks in moisture and develops deep flavor.
• Temperature Check: Always verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safe and juicy meat.
• Sauce Secrets: Whisk continuously when adding liquid to prevent flour lumps and create a smooth, silky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg