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Creamy Thyme Chicken Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner
Creamy thyme chicken skillet: simple, cozy dinner with a cheddar milk sauce in one skillet.
Why this recipe works
This creamy thyme chicken skillet is a quick, comforting dinner idea that comes together in one pan. It suits busy weeknights, cooks for 4, and uses simple pantry ingredients.
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Key takeaways
One-pan dinner with a creamy cheddar sauce.
Season generously with thyme for aroma and flavor.
Cook chicken to just-done, then finish in the sauce for best texture.
Recipe guide
This creamy thyme chicken skillet is a quick, comforting dinner idea that comes together in one pan. It suits busy weeknights, cooks for 4, and uses simple pantry ingredients.
A quick, skillet-cooked dinner with a rich cheddar thyme sauce.
- One-pan dinner with a creamy cheddar sauce.
- Season generously with thyme for aroma and flavor.
- Cook chicken to just-done, then finish in the sauce for best texture.
Sauté the chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried thyme on both sides. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foamy. Add the chicken and cook 4–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; remove to a plate and tent with foil.
Make the sauce base
With the skillet over medium heat, pour in the milk and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer gently 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Finish and serve
Stir in cheddar until melted and smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over top to coat. Simmer 1–2 minutes more to heat through and meld flavors. Serve with a sprinkle of thyme if desired.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 100 gram shredded cheddar cheese
- 120 milliliter milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and dried thyme on both sides
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foamy
- Add chicken and cook 4-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; remove to plate and tent with foil
- Reduce heat to medium and pour milk into the skillet, scraping up browned bits
- Allow milk to simmer gently 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly
- Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and sauce is smooth
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over top to coat
- Simmer 1-2 minutes more to heat through and meld flavors
- Serve chicken topped with extra sauce and a sprinkle of thyme if desired
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Season the chicken until fully opaque with no pink in the center. Let it rest a minute after cooking for juicier meat.
How can I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low to medium heat when adding milk to avoid scorching. Stir gently to keep a smooth sauce.
Can I adjust dairy or cheese?
You can substitute half-and-half or cream for a richer sauce, or use a dairy-free milk and a vegan cheese for a non-dairy version.