Save This creamy garlic butter chicken has become my weeknight dinner savior when I need something impressive with minimal effort. The rich, velvety sauce clings to perfectly seared chicken breasts, creating a restaurant-worthy meal that my family requests at least twice a month.
I first made this dish when trying to recreate my favorite date night restaurant meal at home during lockdown. My husband declared it better than the original, and it has since become our go to meal when entertaining guests who always ask for the recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Selecting evenly sized pieces ensures they cook at the same rate
- Salt pepper and paprika: This simple seasoning trio creates a flavorful foundation without overwhelming the delicate sauce
- Olive oil and butter: The combination gives you the high heat cooking ability of oil with the rich flavor of butter
- 6 large garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is non negotiable here look for firm heads with tight skin
- Chicken broth: Provides depth and helps deglaze the pan capturing all those delicious browned bits
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious texture that makes this dish special use full fat for best results
- Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and helps thicken the sauce freshly grated melts much better than pre shredded
- Italian seasoning: A convenient blend that adds complexity choose one with no added salt
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich sauce and adds visual appeal always use fresh for garnishing
Instructions
- Prep and season chicken:
- Pat those chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels this is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season generously on both sides with the salt pepper and paprika mixture making sure to cover the entire surface. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the seasonings while you prepare other ingredients.
- Sear the chicken:
- Heat your largest skillet over medium high heat until it is properly hot then add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter stops foaming carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in without crowding. Let them cook undisturbed for a full 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a deep golden crust before flipping. After flipping cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should release easily from the pan when properly seared.
- Create the flavor base:
- After removing the chicken reduce the heat to medium this prevents burning the garlic. Add the remaining butter and watch it melt before adding your minced garlic. Stir constantly for exactly 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell the garlic becoming fragrant but before it takes on any color. Browned garlic turns bitter and can ruin the entire sauce.
- Build the sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth and immediately use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits contain concentrated flavor that will transform your sauce. Let the broth simmer and reduce slightly for 2 minutes which intensifies the flavors before moving to the next step.
- Enrich and thicken:
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent any separation. Add the grated Parmesan in small handfuls stirring until completely melted before adding more. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools so dont reduce it too much.
- Reunite and finish:
- Return the chicken breasts and any accumulated juices to the pan nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece and let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes. This final step allows the chicken to absorb some of the sauce flavors while reheating. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving.
Save The garlic is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I recommend using the freshest garlic you can find rather than pre minced versions which lack the same punch. My family has a tradition of enjoying this dish on our first cool autumn evening each year, served with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce.
Perfect Pairings
This creamy chicken dish begs for something to capture that incredible sauce. Fluffy mashed potatoes make an ideal base, absorbing the garlic butter goodness in every bite. For a lighter option, try serving over cauliflower mash or alongside roasted asparagus drizzled with a bit of the sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
This chicken reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use low heat and add a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the refrigerator.
For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium low heat rather than using a microwave, which can make the chicken tough. The flavors actually develop overnight, making this dish sometimes even better the next day.
Easy Variations
Transform this basic recipe with simple additions that create entirely new dishes. For a Mediterranean twist, add sun dried tomatoes, spinach, and kalamata olives during the last few minutes of cooking. The tomatoes add a sweet tanginess that balances the rich sauce perfectly.
For an herby version, try adding fresh tarragon or thyme instead of parsley. These herbs pair beautifully with the garlic cream sauce and elevate the dish to something special. During mushroom season, I often add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms sautéed until golden before building the sauce.
Save This dish is perfect served with rice or pasta to soak up every last bit of the decadent sauce. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette also makes a wonderful accompaniment.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep the chicken moist and juicy?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and avoid overcooking. Sear on medium-high, then finish gently in the sauce until just cooked through.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay moist, but may require a few extra minutes of cooking.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Use half-and-half for a lighter result, or coconut cream for a dairy-free option (note this will alter the flavor profile).
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Use a certified gluten-free chicken broth and check the Parmesan for any gluten-containing additives.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, gently wilt in spinach or stir in sun-dried tomatoes during the final simmer for added nutrition and flavor.
- → What sides pair well with this?
Creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or lightly steamed vegetables are all excellent options to soak up the savory sauce.