If you are looking for a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, look no further than Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken. This dish offers tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce that boasts the perfect harmony of rich cream, fragrant herbs, and a touch of savory broth. Every bite delivers a velvety sauce that clings lovingly to the chicken, making each mouthful a delicious experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken lies in its simple ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in bringing out amazing flavors and a luxurious texture. From the richness of butter and cream to the aromatic garlic and herbs, every component is essential to the dish’s delicious outcome.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide the tender, juicy protein base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Garlic, minced: The star aromatic that infuses the sauce with unmistakable garlicky warmth.
Heavy cream: Creates the silky, decadent texture of the sauce that makes this dish irresistibly creamy.
Chicken broth: Adds savory notes and helps balance the richness of the cream and butter.
Dried Italian herbs: A blend of herbs that lends a fragrant, earthy dimension to the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to a golden perfection before the sauce is made.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a pop of color and fresh herbal notes as garnish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

The journey to perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken begins with seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This foundational seasoning boosts the natural flavor of the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust that sets the stage for the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

After removing the chicken, reduce the heat and add the butter to the same skillet. Let it melt gently, then toss in the minced garlic. Sautéing the garlic in butter allows its natural aroma to bloom, infusing the base of your sauce with an irresistible depth. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as that can introduce bitterness—just a quick 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant is perfect.

Step 3: Build the Sauce with Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth slowly and bring it to a simmer, scraping up all those delicious browned bits left from searing the chicken. Those little bits are flavor gold. Then whisk in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, transforming into a luxuriously creamy and herb-infused coating that will cling softly to the chicken.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the perfectly cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce over each piece. Let them simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken warms through and absorbs some of the sauce’s richness. This final step ensures every bite of your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is juicy and dripping with flavor.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Give the sauce a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your palate. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This little touch of green not only lifts the presentation but adds a subtle freshness that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic and vibrant garnish that brings a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness to the rich Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken. You could also try a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a thin slice of lemon zest for an added zing that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes that soak up every last drop of sauce. Serve with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus to introduce a crisp, fresh element that contrasts the creamy textures. Garlic bread is another fantastic option if you want to double down on garlic goodness while enjoying a satisfying crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

You can slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on warm plates, then drizzle extra sauce over the top for a restaurant-worthy presentation. For a cozy family-style meal, serve the chicken whole on a platter surrounded by your favorite vegetable sides, letting everyone dig in. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or chopped sun-dried tomatoes can elevate the dish with exciting new flavors and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors without any hassle.

Freezing

Creamy sauces can sometimes change texture when frozen but if you want to prepare ahead, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to help preserve the creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheat your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring the sauce occasionally to prevent separation. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that silky texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the sauce less smooth.

FAQs

Can I use thighs instead of breasts for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully, offering a bit more flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

Is there a dairy-free option for the heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free twist. Keep in mind this will alter the flavor profile slightly but still produce a rich, creamy sauce.

Can I prepare Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken in advance?

Yes, you can cook everything up to step 4, then refrigerate the cooked chicken and sauce separately. Reheat and combine just before serving for the freshest taste.

What can I add to make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This dish stores well and can be portioned out for several meals. Pair with your preferred sides and you’ve got a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner ready to go.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s going to become one of those recipes you turn to when you want something cozy, flavorful, and impressive without a fuss. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that feels like a special treat but comes together easily. So grab those simple ingredients, dive into the process, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this luscious comfort food classic.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This creamy garlic butter chicken recipe offers tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich and flavorful garlic butter cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this easy-to-make dish combines simple ingredients like garlic, butter, cream, and Italian herbs to create a luscious sauce that pairs wonderfully with chicken. Ideal for family meals or dinner parties, it’s a delicious way to elevate everyday chicken breasts.

Instructions

Season the chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté garlic in butter: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt completely before adding the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth slowly, bringing it to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
Create the cream sauce: Whisk in the heavy cream and dried Italian herbs. Stir continuously and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over them, and let them simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce may be less rich.
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice.
Fresh garlic can be replaced with garlic powder if needed, but freshness enhances flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-frying and simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American