If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken swimming in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s rich, velvety, and so satisfying. The flavors are vibrant yet comforting, with just the right touch of herbs and Parmesan bringing everything together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests on the weekend, this recipe is a total winner that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and familiar, yet each one plays a crucial part in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll love how the simple combination turns into something truly special.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized pieces for even cooking and juicy results.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives the chicken a warm color and mild smoky undertones.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Ensures a golden sear and adds a fruity richness.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The key to that rich, silky garlic sauce.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, aromatic punch.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy, indulgent base of the sauce.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness and adds savory depth.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it a tangy, nutty flavor.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs to enhance complexity.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple step layers on flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful color once cooked. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through, ensuring a juicy, tender bite every time. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and get ready for the sauce magic.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

Lower the heat to medium and add your butter right to the same skillet. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and gently sauté it for about a minute, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden. This step infuses the butter with garlic’s irresistible aroma which forms the heart of the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Now pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to create a rich, silky sauce that thickens beautifully after simmering for 3 to 4 minutes. This sauce will coat the chicken in creamy goodness.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over each piece and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken warms through perfectly. This final step ensures every bite is flavorful and saucy.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds a wonderful pop of color and a subtle herbal note that brightens this indulgent dish. You can also add a little extra Parmesan if you want a touch more savory richness.

Side Dishes

This creamy garlic butter chicken shines when paired with comforting sides like mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce, or al dente pasta for a classic creamy garlic chicken pasta experience. Steamed or roasted vegetables add freshness and balance, making the meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, slice the chicken before plating and fan it out over a bed of creamy polenta or risotto. Drizzle more sauce on top and garnish with microgreens for a restaurant-worthy presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover creamy garlic butter chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, too. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the sauce’s texture and avoid breaking the cream. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully and offer a bit more moisture and flavor. Adjust cooking times to ensure they are cooked through and juicy.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce, but expect a slightly less rich texture and taste.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by using dairy-free butter and coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, you can still enjoy a creamy sauce, though the flavor will differ slightly from the classic Parmesan-rich version.

What is the best way to reheat without drying out the chicken?

Gentle warming on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream helps maintain moisture and keeps the chicken tender while reviving the sauce’s creaminess.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Try tossing in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms into the sauce during simmering for extra flavor and nutrition that blend beautifully with the creamy garlic butter sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and special about this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe that makes it a go-to favorite in any kitchen. It’s both simple enough for busy nights and impressive enough for company. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become one of your staples for those moments when you want a meal that feels like a warm, indulgent hug. So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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3.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it combines savory herbs, Parmesan cheese, and a velvety butter sauce for a satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor and create a beautiful crust when cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium, add the butter to the same skillet, and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, which helps release its flavor into the butter.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness if desired. Serve the dish warm alongside your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
You can slice the chicken and toss it with cooked fettuccine to make a creamy garlic chicken pasta.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce richness and calories.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American