If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, you’ve got to try this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s everything you want in a comforting meal—juicy chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, smothered in a luscious, garlicky butter cream sauce that’s rich without being overwhelming. With each bite, you get the beautiful balance of savory garlic, velvety cream, and hints of Parmesan and Italian herbs. Whether you’re entertaining or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this dish delivers massive flavor with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating the magic in this recipe. Each one plays a vital role in building the creamy sauce and bringing out the best in the chicken, making the dish irresistibly flavorful and textured just right.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main star, providing tender and juicy protein that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken evenly and enhancing its natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sear the chicken perfectly for that golden crust and adds a fruity note.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Used for richness and that irresistible creamy base in two stages—first for cooking the chicken, then for the sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: The heart of the dish; fresh garlic delivers a contagious aroma and punchy flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The silky ingredient that transforms the sauce into a dreamy, velvety coating.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream for a perfect, light sauce consistency.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty tang that enriches the sauce and rounds out the taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a fragrant, herbaceous layer to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and a fresh, mild herbal note to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. These simple spices create a flavorful crust. Next, heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. This initial searing locks in the juices and sets the foundation for a juicy bite every time. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned—that aroma is pure magic. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. This combination simmers gently for 3 to 4 minutes, thickening into a luscious sauce that will cling to your chicken in the best way possible.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken warms through perfectly. At this point, the sauce is rich, cheesy, buttery, and loaded with garlic goodness—trust me, this is what makes this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe a true showstopper.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant green touch but also freshens up the intense flavors of the dish. Feel free to add a bit of cracked black pepper or even some extra grated Parmesan if you want to go all out on presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even some buttery pasta to help soak up all that incredible sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like green beans, asparagus, or a crisp side salad make for a balanced, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant dinner, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on the plate before drizzling the sauce. You can also serve this over creamy polenta or on top of garlic bread for a carb-lover’s dream. For a fresh twist, stir in baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce just before serving to add texture and flavor bursts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so give it a gentle stir or warm it with a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to life.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Place cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little liquid to prevent dryness.
Reheating
Warm leftovers slowly over low heat, either on the stove or in the microwave, to avoid curdling the cream. Stir occasionally and add a bit of chicken broth or cream if needed to keep the sauce silky and smooth. This will ensure your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe tastes just as divine the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the dish even juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through since thighs are thicker and fattier.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any wheat-based ingredients. Just make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free, as some brands can contain additives.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms are fantastic additions to the creamy sauce. Just add them in just before the final simmer so they maintain some texture and vibrant flavor.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter or dairy-free option, coconut cream works nicely and adds a subtle sweetness. Vegan butter can replace the butter for a fully dairy-free dish, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear when the thickest part of the chicken is pierced.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe quickly becomes a beloved favorite because it combines simplicity with incredible flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a special occasion without needing hours in the kitchen. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give it a try—you’ll be smiling through every creamy, garlicky bite!
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
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich and velvety garlic butter sauce with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Perfect for an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying gluten-free meal.
Ingredients
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, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance their flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic butter sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add liquids and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to warm the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot alongside your choice of rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- For juicier meat, substitute chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce to boost flavor and texture.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream and vegan butter instead of heavy cream and butter.
