If you’re seeking the ultimate weeknight comfort meal that feels fancy yet fuss-free, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is about to become your new go-to. Imagine golden-seared chicken breasts bathed in a rich, velvety sauce bursting with garlic, a touch of parmesan, and just enough creaminess to make each bite feel special. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a single skillet, you’ll create a dish that’s pure magic—every mouthful is warming, savory, and irresistibly satisfying.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken lies in its simplicity: each ingredient is intentionally chosen to enhance the flavor, build layers of richness, and create that classic, dreamy sauce. Stock your kitchen with these building blocks, and you’re just a half-hour away from a restaurant-worthy dinner.

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and even cooking; they soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Salt: A teaspoon is just right for seasoning the chicken and brightening the whole dish—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Half a teaspoon gives your chicken a gentle heat and sharpness.
Olive oil: A couple of tablespoons help get that perfect golden sear while adding subtle fruitiness.
Unsalted butter: Three tablespoons divided; essential for both searing the chicken and building a luxurious sauce base.
Garlic cloves: Five cloves, minced—this is where the depth and aromatic punch come in, truly the backbone of the dish.
Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor and helps thin the sauce so it elegantly coats every piece.
Heavy cream: Delivers that silky richness without making the sauce too heavy.
Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty notes and helps thicken the sauce to just the right texture.
Italian seasoning: A simple shake is all it takes for a subtle herby undertone, tying everything together.
Fresh parsley: A final flourish—the color pop and freshness perfectly contrast the creamy sauce.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by laying your chicken breasts flat and seasoning them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This quick step infuses flavor deep into the chicken and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced. Don’t rush—massaging the seasoning makes a difference!

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter begins to sizzle and foam, gently add the chicken breasts. Leave them undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning only once for that gorgeous, golden-brown crust. When the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Turn the heat down slightly and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about one minute. Keep stirring so the garlic softens without browning; this is where all that signature Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken flavor begins to bloom!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, using your spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step is crucial, as those little caramelized morsels pack serious savory flavor. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking everything together until the sauce starts to thicken slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon that luscious sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken warms through. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley—you’re ready to serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken at its most irresistible.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! A fresh shower of chopped parsley adds color and brightness, while a pinch of extra Parmesan (if you’re feeling decadent) can really make the dish sing. For a hint of zing, add a squeeze of lemon just before serving—it balances the creamy richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken shines alongside classic sides. Try it over a mountain of buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender pasta—the sauce just begs to be sopped up with every bite. For a lighter plate, pair the chicken with steamed green beans, garlicky sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad. The options are endlessly customizable to your tastes and mood.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have fun with your presentation! Serve individual chicken breasts in shallow bowls with sauce pooled around them for an elegant touch, or slice the chicken and fan it out on a platter with vegetables for family style. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken can also make a fantastic filling for sandwiches or wraps—tuck leftovers into a warm baguette with arugula for a stellar lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), let the chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The creamy sauce will keep everything moist and flavorful. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken for future meals. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a skillet over low to medium heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating works, too, but for best results and to avoid overcooking, do so in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully flavorful and stay juicy. Just adjust your cooking time to ensure they cook through, as they may need a few extra minutes compared to breasts.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

Yes! You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce, though the result may be slightly less rich and less thick. You can also add a tablespoon of flour when sautéing the garlic to help the sauce thicken.

What vegetables can I add for extra flavor?

Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes are delicious options—they add color and complement the savory backdrop of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken. Simply stir them into the sauce just before returning the chicken to the pan.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center; the juices should run clear and the meat should not be pink.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken dairy-free?

While the dish is all about its creamy richness, you can experiment with coconut cream and plant-based butter for a dairy-free spin! Omit the Parmesan or try a vegan substitute for a similar umami kick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal with major wow factor and minimal effort, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken needs to make its way onto your dinner table soon. One skillet, a handful of pantry staples, and a few simple steps are all that stand between you and a meal that everyone will love. Don’t wait—treat yourself and your loved ones to a little creamy, garlicky joy tonight!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this easy-to-make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and smothered in a luxurious garlic cream sauce that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking until sauce thickens slightly.
Finish the Dish: Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm through. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.