Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce. It’s the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and garlicky, with every bite packed full of flavor. I love making this for an easy weeknight dinner or when I want something warm and satisfying with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple to make yet feels like something special. The chicken is seared until golden, then smothered in a buttery garlic cream sauce that tastes like it came from a restaurant. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes, and it all comes together in one skillet—less cleanup, more comfort.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Salt and pepper

• Paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

• Olive oil

• Butter

• Garlic (minced)

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream

• Parmesan cheese (grated)

• Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)

Directions

1. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for added depth.

2. I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. I remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, I reduce the heat and add the butter, followed by the minced garlic. I sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. I pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

5. I stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, then mix in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

6. I return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and let it simmer for another 3–4 minutes to absorb the flavors.

7. I garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, so I usually have it ready in about 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and color. If I want a tangier profile, I add a splash of lemon juice or white wine before the cream. For a spicier kick, I include a pinch of red pepper flakes. And when I want something extra hearty, I serve it over fettuccine or garlic mashed potatoes.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. It also reheats well in the microwave, though I stir the sauce occasionally to keep it smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often use boneless thighs—they’re juicier and work beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I’ve used coconut cream as a substitute and skipped the cheese, and it still turns out rich and flavorful.

What sides go well with this?

I love serving this with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I freeze creamy garlic butter chicken?

I don’t usually freeze it because the cream sauce can separate, but it can work in a pinch. I reheat gently and stir well to bring the sauce back together.

What kind of Parmesan should I use?

I prefer freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor, but pre-shredded works too if that’s what I have on hand.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick, comforting dinner that never fails to satisfy. With tender chicken and a rich, garlicky sauce, it’s the kind of dish I turn to when I want something cozy and full of flavor. It’s easy to customize, perfect for leftovers, and always a hit at the table.