A Cozy Night-In: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
When the craving hits for something creamy, garlicky, and comforting, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken hits the spot in a snap. The skillet does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a glossy sauce that clings to every tender bite.
It’s weeknight-friendly and totally doable in about 30 minutes. Sear the chicken to a golden crust, nestle it back in a silky sauce, and you’ve got dinner ready to wow even the pickiest of eaters—without a ton of fuss. The aroma alone is worth setting a place at the table for two or four.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness — for quick, uniform cooking and juicy bites.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper — season generously, adjusting to taste.
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil — for a crisp sear and flavorful base.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced — builds the savory aroma that defines the dish.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter — adds richness and helps emulsify the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth — deglazes the pan and creates a flavorful starting sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream — gives the creamy texture; you can whisk in half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese — adds cheesy depth; skip dairy-free if needed.
- 1 teaspoon paprika — color and gentle warmth.
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves (fresh) or 1/2 teaspoon dried — bright herbal note.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish — a pop of color and fresh aroma.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice — a bright finish right before serving.
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let them hang out for a minute while you heat the skillet.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until deeply golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely to rest.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic; cook for about 30–60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and loosen any flavor stuck to the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer gently, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon, about 3–5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Return the chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reheat the chicken and meld the flavors. Finish with lemon juice (if using) and a sprinkle of parsley.
Tips & Variations
- Heat level: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when you add the garlic.
- Make it dairy-free: Use olive oil for searing, coconut cream or almond milk in place of cream, and nutritional yeast or a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
- Thickening options: If the sauce seems thin, simmer a bit longer to reduce, or whisk in 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water per 1 cup sauce until glossy (cook briefly to avoid raw starch taste).
- Protein swaps: Chicken thighs work beautifully here; they stay juicy and can handle a slightly longer sear if needed.
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free as written—just ensure your broth is GF and you’re not using any flour.
- Make it a one-pan meal: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic in step 3, then deglaze and add cream for a mushroom-framed version.
- Storage and reheating: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes, buttered parsley potatoes, or a fluffy garlic rice pair beautifully with this sauce. For a lighter option, serve with steamed broccoli or green beans.
- Salads: A crisp lemony arugula salad or a simple cucumber-tenn with a light vinaigrette adds balance to richness.
- Plating tips: Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and drizzle a little more cream around the plate. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and brightness.
- Make-it-a-meal: Add a crusty loaf or plenty of warm bread to soak up the sauce, or serve over a bed of buttered egg noodles for a heartier option.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here and stay extra juicy. Sear a bit longer if needed, roughly 6–8 minutes total, depending on thickness.
How do I thicken the sauce without flour?
Let the sauce simmer a bit longer for natural reduction, or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and simmer until glossy and thickened.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce up to the point of adding the cream and cheese, then store it separately. Reheat gently and finish with the cream and cheese just before serving for best texture. The chicken is best cooked fresh or reheated gently to avoid drying.
What pasta types pair well with this sauce?
Fettuccine, linguine, or pappardelle are excellent choices. If you prefer gluten-free, serve with gluten-free pasta or over cauliflower mash for a lighter option.
How do I keep the sauce silky after reheating?
Reheat slowly on low heat and whisk in a splash of cream or broth as needed. Avoid boiling, which can separate the dairy and curdle the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written it’s naturally gluten-free—as long as you use a gluten-free broth and avoid any flour-based thickeners.
Final Thoughts
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This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is a weeknight hero: approachable ingredients, a glossy, restaurant-worthy sauce, and a cozy, comforting finish. It’s the kind of dish you’ll reach for again and again when you want something homey, impressive, and easy to pull off in one skillet.
Save this recipe for a hungry-night staple, pin it for later, and, most importantly, enjoy the first glorious bite with someone you love.
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Irresistible Creamy Garlic Butter Chick Recipe Is Quick Now
- Total Time: 0 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy garlic butter skillet fast weeknight supper with lush sauce tender meat minimal prep crowdpleasing dinner in mins now fast dinner
Ingredients
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Instructions
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- Prep Time: 0 hours 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 calories
- Sugar: 3 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g