Let’s be honest – nobody wants to stand in front of a hot stove when the kids are restless, the dog’s barking, and it’s the summer bank holiday.
You need a creamy chicken skillet for summer bank holiday dinner that’s not just easy – it has to be a quick summer recipe that even picky eaters won’t fight over.
I’ve cooked this more times than I care to admit. Trust me – this dinner idea saves the day every single time.
What Makes This Skillet Chicken Actually Worth It?
So here’s the thing. Most “creamy chicken” recipes? Overloaded. Heavy. Mushy. But this one? It’s built for summer – light on the gut, big on flavor, fast on the clock.
I throw it together in 25–30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, and it always feels like I put in way more effort than I did.
Best part? Moms dig it, kids clean their plates, and I still have time to finish my cold beer.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Creamy Chicken Skillet for Summer Bank Holiday
These are everyday ingredients. No trips to the artisan herb market.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Handful fresh basil or parsley
- Optional: splash of lemon juice (adds a summer kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Creamy Chicken Skillet for Summer Bank Holiday
Here’s how I do it – no fluff, no gourmet nonsense.
Step 1: Sear That Chicken
Swirl together a slick of oil and a dab of butter in your biggest nonstick pan—let it sizzle over medium-high like it means business.
Toss in your chicken strips. Season them right in the pan with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let ’em sizzle and get that golden crust – about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
Dad Tip: Don’t move the chicken too much. Let it brown like it’s supposed to. That crust = flavor.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Base
Remove the chicken. In the same pan, drop your minced garlic and let it bloom for 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes, stir, and deglaze with chicken broth.
Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes till tomatoes soften.
Now add cream. Stir. Add parmesan. Stir again. Watch that sauce come alive.
Step 3: Bring it All Together
Toss the chicken back in. Let it simmer in the sauce for 5–6 minutes until it’s fully cooked and the sauce is slightly thickened. Want a bit of brightness? Add that squeeze of lemon.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot with rice, garlic toast, or even pasta if your kids are extra hungry.
Why Moms (and Kids) Love This Dinner Idea
Listen, I get it. Moms are juggling five things by dinner time. They don’t want another dish to wash or a tantrum over “weird sauce.” This is a summer bank holiday chicken recipe that hits the sweet spot:
- Minimal prep
- Quick cleanup (one-pan)
- Kid-friendly creaminess
- Enough color to feel “healthy” (hello, cherry tomatoes!)
- Still hearty enough for grown-ups
If my 6-year-old eats it without bartering for dessert, you’re good.
Final Thoughts
To be honest, this Creamy Chicken Skillet for Summer Bank Holiday isn’t just a summer recipe – it’s a reset button.
It’s the kind of meal that reminds you dinner doesn’t have to be stressful to be special.
I’ve made it in a rush. I’ve made it with my son standing on a stool beside me “helping.” Every time – it brought the family to the table without a fuss.
And to be honest, if there’s a scoreboard, that one’s lighting it up.
Try it once. You’ll probably cook it twice before the weekend’s over.
