If you’re craving a dish that combines rich, comforting flavors with irresistible creaminess and a bold garlic punch, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken. This recipe is shockingly easy but delivers maximum impact, thanks to juicy chicken breasts bathed in a silky garlic-parmesan sauce. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a last-minute weeknight meal with friends, Garlic Butter Chicken brings everyone to the table—and keeps them reaching for seconds!

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here truly shines in its own way, making Garlic Butter Chicken both unfussy and absolutely delicious. Each one plays its part in creating that lush, garlicky sauce and succulent chicken you’ll want to make again and again.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken before cooking and bringing out the flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps achieve that crave-worthy golden crust on the chicken.
Olive Oil: Gives the chicken a lovely sear and depth of flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Divided in the recipe to add both richness to the chicken and silkiness to the sauce.
Garlic: Six whole cloves—because we’re not shy about making this dish live up to its name!
Chicken Broth: Lifts any delicious browned bits from the pan to add depth and a savory punch to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce lucious and coats each piece of chicken perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty, creamy notes that take the sauce to the next level.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness—that little extra step helps them cook evenly and stay juicy throughout. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, which lays the flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Step 2: Dredge in Flour

Lightly coat each chicken breast with flour, gently shaking off any excess. This thin flour coating turns beautifully golden during cooking and helps the sauce cling to every bite.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the chicken and cook each side for 4–5 minutes until golden and just cooked through. The kitchen is going to smell heavenly! Once your chicken is ready, set it aside on a plate.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Using the same skillet (no need to wash it—the flavor is all in those browned bits!), melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. The aroma here is everything!

Step 5: Build and Thicken the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up every last bit from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan, and cook for 2–3 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken and come together in a dreamy, creamy texture.

Step 6: Simmer and Finish

Return your cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce generously over the top and let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes, just so the flavors can mingle and the chicken reheats beautifully. Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and get ready to serve!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds freshness that brightens the rich sauce. For even more flair, try a sprinkling of extra parmesan or the zest of a lemon right before serving to make your Garlic Butter Chicken pop.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Chicken is a sauce lover’s dream, so it practically begs to be served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, a bed of tender rice, or twirls of al dente pasta. Each side soaks up that creamy sauce, turning every bite into pure comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special twist, try slicing the chicken and fanning it over a platter of seasonal roasted veggies. Or, spoon the chicken (with plenty of sauce!) over garlicky toast for an open-faced sandwich that’s out of this world. When you’re feeling cozy or want to impress, Garlic Butter Chicken is a showstopper every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Garlic Butter Chicken keeps beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors might even meld together more overnight!

Freezing

You can freeze Garlic Butter Chicken for up to two months. Let it cool completely, then store in air-tight, freezer-safe containers. Be sure to label with the date—you’ll thank yourself when an effortless, delicious dinner is just a thaw away.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. If you’re using a microwave, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in Garlic Butter Chicken and offer even more tenderness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for dredging the chicken and you’ll have an entirely gluten-free Garlic Butter Chicken to share with everyone at the table.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few extra minutes longer on the stove, or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of cold water. The sauce will quickly reach your desired consistency while staying luscious and smooth.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and makes the sauce ultra-creamy, but if you’re in a pinch, pre-shredded will do. Just avoid the powdery kind, as it doesn’t blend as nicely and can affect texture.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a teaspoon of cream cheese along with milk to mimic the heavy cream’s velvety feel in Garlic Butter Chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken is the kind of dish you’ll come back to on busy weeknights, Sunday gatherings, and everything in between. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to win hearts at the dinner table. Give it a try and let this creamy, garlicky favorite become a new staple in your kitchen!

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a decadent yet simple dish that features juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Pound and Season Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
Dredge Chicken: Lightly dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make Sauce: Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, simmer, then stir in cream and Parmesan. Cook until sauce thickens.
Finish Dish: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer briefly to reheat. Garnish with parsley and serve.