Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that combines tender chicken, rich cream, and the robust flavor of garlic butter. This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a cozy dinner for friends, this dish will deliver a hearty and satisfying meal every single time.
This recipe has become a go-to during chilly evenings when all I crave is something warm and decadent. Pair it with some crusty bread to soak up the luxurious sauce, and you’ve got yourself a meal that tastes like it came straight out of a fancy restaurant.
The best part? It’s all made in a single pan, saving you time on cleanup while still impressing everyone at the table.
This creamy garlic butter chicken is perfect for any time of year, but it truly shines during colder months when comfort food reigns supreme. And with pantry-staple ingredients, you don’t need to make a special grocery run to whip up this mouthwatering dish.
Why You’ll Love It
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires just one pan and minimal prep, making it ideal for beginners or busy cooks.
- Rich and Flavorful: The creamy garlic butter sauce is infused with aromatic garlic, savory spices, and the richness of heavy cream.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or with roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Both adults and kids will adore the comforting flavors of this dish.
How To Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients List
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Pairings:
- Rice: Steamed white or brown rice to soak up the sauce
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes for a hearty side
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the sauce
- Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
More Recipes >>>>> Delicious Chicken Alfredo
Kitchen Tools Needed
Before you start, gather these essential tools to make cooking a breeze:
- A large skillet or frying pan (preferably non-stick or stainless steel)
- Tongs (for flipping the chicken)
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A whisk or wooden spoon (for stirring the sauce)
- A garlic press (optional, but helpful for mincing garlic)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to cook through at this stage. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Let it melt and then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the sauce until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chicken simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides, like rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
More Recipes >>>>>> Avocado And Bacon Omelette

Tips and Tricks for Success
- Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before searing.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to ensure a proper sear.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give the sauce a stronger and more aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
- Make It Your Own: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: The sauce thickens as it cools, so it’s best to serve the dish hot and fresh.
With these steps and tips, you’ll have a restaurant-quality Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken that will wow your family or guests. Enjoy!
More Recipes >>>>>> Crispy Chicken Parmesan
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: Use chicken thighs for a juicier option or even chicken tenders for quicker cooking.
- Heavy Cream: Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce or canned coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Parmesan Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Butter: Use ghee for a nutty flavor or vegan butter for a plant-based option.
- Garlic: If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder can be used (start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste).
- Spices: Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or thyme for more depth of flavor.
- Add-Ins: Enhance the dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Pasta: Pair with fettuccine or linguine for a creamy, comforting pasta dish.
- With Rice: Steamed white or brown rice absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, hearty side to complement the rich sauce.
- With Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of the luscious sauce.
- Vegetable Pairings: Serve with roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a fresh garden salad.
More Recipes >>>>>> Zucchini Hash Browns With Fried Eggs

Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If freezing, let the chicken cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container with the sauce for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin the sauce if it thickened.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals until warm.
- Oven: Cover the dish with foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
More Recipes >>>>> Cloud Bread With Cream Cheese Spread
FAQ
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and prepare the chicken in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then combine and simmer when ready to serve.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan butter in place of regular butter. Skip the Parmesan or substitute with a vegan cheese.
3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts to the sauce and simmer until heated through.
4. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water).
5. What can I do if the sauce is too salty?
Add more cream or unsalted chicken broth to balance the flavors. You can also add a pinch of sugar to cut the saltiness.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
Equipment
- A large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A whisk or wooden spoon
- A garlic press (optional, but helpful for mincing garlic)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a slight kick
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Optional Pairings:
- Rice: Steamed white or brown rice to soak up the sauce
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes for a hearty side
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the sauce
- Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to cook through at this stage. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Let it melt and then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the sauce until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chicken simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides, like rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
The nutritional information may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~34g
- Carbohydrates: ~6g
- Fat: ~30g
- Saturated Fat: ~16g
- Cholesterol: ~140mg
- Sodium: ~750mg
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Sugar: ~1g
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.