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–+ servings

Easy Skillet Chicken

Sally Thompson
Get ready to enjoy a quick dinner that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. This Easy Skillet Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish made in one pan, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced sauce, it’s one of those easy dinner ideas that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or bread. Whether you're looking for a healthy snack-style portion or a full comfort meal, this easy recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric optional
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms sliced optional
  • 1/2 cup spinach optional
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • 1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  • 2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  • 3. In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • 4. Stir in smoked paprika, turmeric, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Toast briefly.
  • 5. Add tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, then pour in tomato sauce and mix well.
  • 6. Add chicken broth and cream, stirring until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • 7. Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked.
  • 8. Add mushrooms during simmering and spinach near the end if using.
  • 9. Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.
  • 10. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor.
Let the sauce simmer gently to prevent the cream from separating.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end for the best flavor balance.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 38gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
Keyword creamy chicken, easy dinner, easy recipe, quick dinner, skillet chicken
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