A Story That Starts in the Kitchen
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken -There’s something magical about the smell of garlic sizzling in butter, filling up the kitchen with the kind of aroma that instantly brings everyone to the table. Growing up, creamy garlic chicken was the dish my mom would make whenever we needed a little extra comfort — like after a long week of school or during chilly Sunday evenings.
Now that I’m older, this simple yet rich and flavorful recipe remains one of my all-time favorites. It’s the perfect combination of juicy chicken, silky cream sauce, and that irresistible garlic-butter magic. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even on busy nights!
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests without too much fuss, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Comforting and Rich: The creamy sauce is pure heaven.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
- Versatile: Pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to grab before getting started:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: a splash of chicken broth if you prefer a thinner sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy — seasoning is what makes a simple dish sing!
If your chicken breasts are thick, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. They’ll cook faster and more evenly.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter until it’s just starting to foam. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Pro Tip:
Resist the urge to move the chicken around too much — letting it sear undisturbed creates that beautiful golden crust!
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it — garlic goes from golden to bitter very quickly.
Next, pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the pan. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes, until it thickens slightly.
If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of chicken broth or even a bit of milk will loosen it perfectly.
4. Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken (and any juices that collected on the plate!) back to the skillet. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and let it simmer together for another 3-5 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with even more flavor.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving, and prepare yourself for the compliments that are about to roll in!
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with this creamy masterpiece? Here are a few ideas:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Garlic butter pasta
- Roasted green beans or asparagus
- A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
Variations and Add-Ons
Want to customize this recipe a little? Here are some delicious twists:
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy boost.
- Spinach Lovers: Toss in a handful of fresh baby spinach at the end for extra color and nutrition.
- Cheese Upgrade: Try adding mozzarella or provolone along with Parmesan for an even cheesier sauce.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest stirred into the sauce can add a lovely brightness.
FAQs About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and a little more forgiving if you overcook them slightly.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain the creamy texture.
Q: Can I freeze creamy garlic butter chicken?
A: Technically, yes — but cream sauces sometimes separate when frozen. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to simple comfort food that delivers BIG on flavor, nothing beats Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken. It’s fast, flexible, and downright delicious — no wonder it’s a favorite in so many homes (including mine!).
So next time you’re craving something cozy and crave-worthy, give this recipe a try. Trust me: once you make it, you’ll be adding it to your weekly rotation too!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken – The Comfort Food You’ll Want Every Week
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is rich, savory, and bursting with flavor! Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection, then smothered in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal when you’re craving something decadent but simple.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth (optional for thinning the sauce)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.Sear the chicken:
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.Make the garlic butter sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).Add the cream:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. If you want a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.Return the chicken:
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it simmer together for another 2–3 minutes.Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce!
Notes
You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer juicier meat.
Add a handful of spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a dairy-free version, replace the cream with coconut cream and the butter with vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-seared, stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
