Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet

The rich, savory notes from this chicken call for something bright and fresh on the side. I love serving my garlic herb chicken skillet over a simple arugula salad or buttery mashed potatoes to complete the meal. It’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone pause, look up from their plates, and ask, “Can we have this again tomorrow?” I’ve been there, standing at the stove on a Tuesday night, wanting something that feels special but fits into the rhythm of a regular week. That’s exactly where this Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet was born.

This recipe is my answer to the eternal question of what to make for dinner. It’s a one-pan wonder that transforms simple chicken and pantry herbs into a cozy, flavor-packed meal. The garlic becomes sweet and mellow, the herbs release their fragrant oils, and everything cooks together in a single skillet, creating its own simple, delicious pan sauce. It’s comfort food, made easy. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results. This Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet is the family dinner you’ll find yourself making on repeat, a true testament to the idea that simple ingredients can create the warmest memories.

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Ingredients List

Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet starts with a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients you likely already have. The magic is in how they come together.

• 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, see swap below)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 whole head of garlic, cloves separated and minced (about 8-10 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika works, but smoked adds depth)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Smart Swaps & Notes:

• Chicken: I prefer thighs for their juiciness and flavor, but boneless, skinless breasts work perfectly. Just reduce the cook time by a few minutes to prevent drying out.
• Herbs: No fresh parsley? Use an extra teaspoon of the dried Italian blend or sprinkle with chives. Fresh thyme or rosemary are also beautiful here.
• Broth: White wine (about ¼ cup) can replace half the broth for a brighter note. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the butter and use all olive oil.

Timing

This Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet is a weeknight hero. From fridge to table in well under an hour, it’s about 30% faster than many baked chicken dinner recipes, with all the flavor of something that simmered all afternoon.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet every single time.

1. Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This is the secret to a beautiful sear, not a steam. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, the dried Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Let it sit for 5 minutes while you mince the garlic. This little rest allows the seasoning to start working its way in.

2. Sear to Perfection

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet (I use a 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until you get a deep golden-brown crust. Don’t move it around! Let it sear properly. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Build the Garlic Herb Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. You’ll see all those glorious browned bits on the bottom—that’s flavor gold. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. You want it golden, not burnt. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those browned bits from the pan bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.

4. Finish and Serve

Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top. Let everything cook together for another 3-5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a lovely, glossy consistency. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet is a balanced and satisfying part of healthy meal prep. This estimate is for one serving (based on 4 servings).

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 18g
• Key Benefits: Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein and B vitamins. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with noted health benefits, and using herbs boosts flavor without adding sodium, making this a standout among healthy food dishes.

Equipment Needed

You only need a few basic tools to make this Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet, proving you don’t need a fancy kitchen for fantastic results.

• A large skillet (12-inch cast iron, stainless steel, or a good non-stick)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation for so many reasons.

• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is the ultimate weeknight win. Everything cooks in one skillet, making it as easy as many sheet pan dinners but with a richer, saucier result.
• Insane Flavor with Simple Ingredients: The combination of seared chicken, sweet garlic, and aromatic herbs creates a depth of flavor that tastes far more complex than the ingredient list suggests.
• Perfect for Healthy Meal Prep: This chicken reheats beautifully and stays juicy. Cook a double batch on Sunday for easy lunches or quick dinners all week.
• Endlessly Adaptable: It’s a perfect base recipe. Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms in the sauce step, or swap the herbs for your favorite blend.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

This Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet is already quite wholesome, but you can easily tweak it to fit specific dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

• Dairy-Free: Simply omit the butter and use an additional tablespoon of olive oil for searing.
• Lower Fat: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs and reduce the olive oil to 2 teaspoons.
• Whole30/Paleo: Ensure your chicken broth is compliant and omit the butter. The dish is naturally gluten-free.
• Higher Protein: The recipe is already protein-packed! Serve it over quinoa or lentils to boost the protein and fiber even further.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet is how it plays well with so many sides. Here are a few of my favorite ways to round out the meal.

• For Soaking Up the Sauce: Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or a pile of fluffy rice are classic and comforting.
• For a Lighter Meal: Serve over a bed of baby arugula or spinach (the warm chicken wilts it slightly), with roasted broccoli, or alongside simple steamed green beans.
• For a Hearty Spread: This chicken pairs wonderfully with my Lemon Parmesan Asparagus Chicken for a veggie-forward feast, or with crispy roasted potatoes for a more rustic plate.
• Garnish Ideas: A final sprinkle of fresh parsley is perfect, but a little grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds wonderful dimension.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small tweaks can make the difference between a good Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet and a great one.

• Not Drying the Chicken: Moist chicken steams instead of sears. Always pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels first.
• Crowding the Pan: If you add too much chicken at once, the pan temperature drops and the chicken releases liquid. Cook in batches if needed to get that perfect crust.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns in seconds. Add it to the pan off direct, high heat and stir constantly until just fragrant. If you love the garlic-herb flavor profile, you might also enjoy the slow-cooked tenderness of my Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.
• Skipping the Scrape: Those browned bits (fond) left in the pan after searing are pure flavor. Deglazing the pan with broth is non-negotiable for a delicious sauce.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet makes fantastic leftovers, and it freezes beautifully for future easy meals.

• Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Place completely cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Conclusion

At the end of a busy day, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of garlic and herbs filling your kitchen, promising a meal that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying. This Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet is that promise delivered—a simple, one-pan dinner that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients to create food that feels like home.

I hope this recipe becomes a trusted friend in your kitchen, a go-to for busy nights and cozy gatherings alike. If you’re looking for other simple, flavorful ways to prepare chicken, you might love my Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken for a richer sauce, or the sweet-and-tangy kick of Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs. And for a truly special occasion, the unique glaze on my Irish Whiskey Glazed Chicken is always a showstopper.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Let me know how your Garlic Herb Chicken Skillet turned out in the comments below. What sides did you pair it with? And don’t forget to tag @HarmonyMeal on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creations. Happy cooking.

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