If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy, perfectly seared chicken breasts simmered in a dreamy garlic butter sauce packed with Parmesan and Italian herbs create a meal that’s truly unforgettable. It’s an easy recipe that delivers elegant flavors with simple ingredients, making weeknight dinners or special occasions equally delightful.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this luscious recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, richness, and that irresistible creamy texture you’ll fall in love with.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and tender when cooked just right.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick that complements the richness of the dish.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives beautiful color and a subtle smokiness to the chicken.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing, locking in moisture and adding depth.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The foundation for that luscious garlic butter sauce everyone loves.
6 cloves garlic, minced: The soul of the recipe, infusing every bite with robust aroma and flavor.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly smooth, creamy texture that coats the chicken perfectly.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness and helps deglaze the pan for flavor-packed sauce.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertones and helps thicken the sauce.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a delightful Mediterranean twist.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of green as a finishing touch.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides. The paprika not only adds a lovely color but also a subtle smoky undertone that lifts the dish. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear each side for about 5 to 6 minutes until the exterior is golden and the chicken is cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside — don’t worry, the magic isn’t over yet.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until you can’t help but notice its heavenly fragrance filling your kitchen. The garlic is the hero here, providing an aromatic base that complements all the other flavors that follow.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom — they’re secret carriers of taste! Slowly stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a rich, velvety consistency. This step is where your sauce transforms into pure indulgence.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into that creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece and let the skillet simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so all those flavors mingle and the chicken warms through perfectly. At this point, your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a burst of vibrant color but also cuts through the richness with its bright, herbaceous note. It’s a simple finish that makes your dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or your favorite pasta all make perfect companions to soak up that irresistible garlic butter sauce. If you want to sneak in some greens, try a light side salad or sautéed spinach to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the chicken over a bed of garlic-infused mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. You can also drizzle a little extra sauce over the plate and garnish with a few parmesan shavings for an elegant, restaurant-quality look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover creamy garlic butter chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce and prevent it from breaking. Avoid microwaving at high temperatures as this can dry out the chicken or separate the creamy sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them, and their richer flavor works wonderfully with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as thick and rich. For more creaminess without the heaviness, adding a bit of cornstarch slurry can help achieve the right consistency.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms are fantastic additions that add flavor, color, and nutrition. Add them after sautéing the garlic, and let them soften before pouring in the broth and cream.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

Grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese can be great substitutes, bringing a similarly sharp and salty note. If you’re avoiding dairy, try nutritional yeast, though the flavor profile will be different but still tasty.

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?

Keep the heat moderate when simmering the sauce, and avoid boiling aggressively. Stir frequently and add cream gradually for a smooth sauce. If it starts to separate, whisk in a teaspoon of cold butter to bring everything back together.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for any home cook but impressive enough to feel like a special treat. Its perfect balance of creamy richness and garlicky goodness will quickly make it your go-to recipe when you want something comforting yet elegant. Give it a try and prepare to be amazed by how effortless and delicious dinner can be!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 53 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 features tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce made with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Perfect for an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner, it’s best served with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.

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
3 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 (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika to ensure balanced flavor throughout.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the sauce base: Reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavor. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon sauce over each piece, then simmer together for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld flavors.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken before serving. Enjoy with your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to fully appreciate the creamy sauce.