If you need a quick dinner that tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, this Creamy Herb Cheese Skillet Chicken is it. It’s rich, cozy, and loaded with flavor — but it’s made in one pan with simple ingredients you can grab anywhere.

This is the kind of weeknight meal that feels fancy without being fussy. The chicken gets golden and tender in the skillet, then it’s finished in a creamy garlic herb cheese sauce that clings to every bite. Serve it with a simple veggie, mashed potatoes, or over rice and you’ve got an easy dinner the whole family will actually look forward to.

PIN FOR LATER

This recipe is one of those easy chicken breast recipes you’ll want to save for busy nights because it’s quick, comforting, and made in one skillet.

Creamy Herb Cheese Skillet Chicken 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy skillet chicken is one of those recipes you’ll make again and again because it checks every box:

• One pan dinner (minimal cleanup)

• Fast — ready in about 25 minutes

• Rich, creamy comfort food flavor without being complicated

• Uses simple grocery-store ingredients

• Great for easy chicken breast recipes nights when you’re out of ideas

If you’re looking for a reliable skillet chicken recipe that feels rich and cozy but is simple enough for weeknights, this one is a keeper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few basics to make this recipe taste restaurant-level.

For the chicken:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thin cutlets)

• Salt + black pepper

• Garlic powder

• Olive oil (or light butter)

For the creamy herb cheese sauce:

• Garlic (fresh minced is best)

• Chicken broth

• Fat Free Half-and-half

• Herb cheese (Boursin-style garlic & herb cheese)

• Parmesan cheese (optional but adds depth)

• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

✅ Tip: Chicken cutlets cook faster and stay more tender. If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally before cooking.

Ingredient Notes & Easy Substitutions

Here are the best swaps that won’t ruin texture (important for skillet recipes):

• Chicken thighs: yes (boneless skinless) — cook a bit longer.

• Milk instead of half-and-half: works, but sauce will be thinner.

• Cream cheese + herbs: works if you don’t have herb cheese.

• Add spinach or mushrooms: great for extra bulk and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Herb Cheese Skillet Chicken (Step-by-Step)

This method is simple and repeatable.

Step 1: Season the chicken

Pat chicken dry with paper towels (this helps it brown). Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Sear the chicken in a skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken and cook:

• 4–5 minutes per side for cutlets

• 6–7 minutes per side for thicker breasts

Cook until golden and mostly cooked through.

Remove chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Build the sauce

Reduce heat to medium.

Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds (don’t let it burn).

Pour in chicken broth and scrape the skillet to lift up the browned bits — this is where the flavor is.

Step 4: Make it creamy

Add half-and-half and stir.

Add the herb cheese and whisk/stir until melted and smooth.

Optional: stir in Parmesan for a richer finish.

Step 5: Finish the chicken in the sauce

Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.

Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.

Garnish with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper.

What to Serve With It

This chicken is super versatile — you can serve it with whatever you’ve got.

Cozy comfort food sides:

• Mashed potatoes

• Rice or buttered noodles

• Roasted baby potatoes

Lighter sides:

• Cauliflower Colcannon

• Gooey Macaroni and Cheese

• Healthy Au Gratin Potatoes

Storage + Reheating

This recipe stores well, which makes it great for leftovers.

To store:

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3–4 days.

To reheat:

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts.

✅ Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. This reheats surprisingly well — just don’t overcook the chicken the first time.

Will the sauce thicken?

Yes — the herb cheese thickens it naturally. If it gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of broth.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Not for searing. Thaw completely first so it browns properly and cooks evenly.

More Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas

If you’re in a “what’s for dinner” rut, here are more recipes to try next:

• Crockpot Chicken Piccata

• Coca-Cola Chicken

• Easy Crockpot Chicken Dinner Recipes roundup

If you’re stuck in a dinner rut and need something that feels comforting without taking all night, this Creamy Herb Cheese Skillet Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s quick, simple, and tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. If you make it, leave a comment and tell me what you served it with — I love hearing how you make these easy chicken dinners your own!