If you have been on the lookout for a rich, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is absolutely for you. With tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce enriched by creamy heavy cream and the savory tang of Parmesan, this recipe effortlessly combines simple pantry staples into something spectacular. It effortlessly comes together on the stovetop, making it an ideal weeknight meal but fancy enough to impress guests any day of the week. Prepare to fall in love with how the flavors dance and delight your taste buds in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one is simple yet essential, bringing a distinct flavor, aroma, or texture to the dish that can’t be missed.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing tender, juicy meat that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild, smoky flavor and lovely color to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection while keeping it moist inside.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the rich, silky base of the sauce.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with that irresistible garlic aroma and flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides luxurious creaminess that coats every bite.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps create a smooth sauce texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty richness that enriches the cream sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs adding aromatic complexity.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Offers freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides. This simple seasoning step elevates the natural flavor of the chicken and introduces a bit of seasoning depth. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Let it sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful golden crust and is cooked through. This searing method locks in juices and sets a flavorful foundation for your sauce. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. As it melts, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 or 2 minutes until fragrant—you want that garlic to be bold but not burnt. Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This technique, called deglazing, incorporates intense flavor into the sauce. Next, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let this sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens just enough to cling to the chicken.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over each piece, allowing all those luscious flavors to meld. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes to reheat the chicken and marry the flavors. Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to brighten both the taste and presentation. Your creamy garlic butter chicken is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley works wonderfully as a garnish, adding a burst of color and a subtle herbal note that cuts through the richness. For an extra touch, you can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to elevate the look and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with comforting sides that soak up the delicious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender pasta all make excellent companions. For lighter options, steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad bring freshness to balance the indulgence perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of garlic butter noodles for a striking presentation. Alternatively, plating it alongside roasted seasonal vegetables or stuffing it with mozzarella before cooking can add delightful variety every time you make this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy garlic butter chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce can thicken when cooled, so give it a gentle stir or splash of broth when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze cooked chicken and sauce in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or use the microwave at medium power. Add a little chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick — this helps restore that velvety consistency you crave.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will add an even juicier, more flavorful twist to this dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter but still creamy sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, perfect for all palates. If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step.
What is the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers are fantastic over fresh pasta, crisp salad greens, or tucked into a warm sandwich for a delicious next-day meal.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so soul-satisfying about this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe that makes it a guaranteed favorite every time. It’s comfort food elevated by rich, bold flavors that come together effortlessly on your stovetop. So go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delectable dish—you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it in your recipe collection!
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful main course featuring tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. This easy one-pan recipe combines buttery garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley for a comforting dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, 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 (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.
- Prepare the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the skillet bottom for extra flavor. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top and continue to simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, ideally over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to enjoy the rich sauce fully.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the rich sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
