Oh my goodness, let me tell you about creamy garlic butter chicken! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, with tender chicken bathed in a velvety garlic butter sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. I can still remember the first time I made it; my family was gathered around the dinner table, and as soon as the aroma hit, everyone was instantly intrigued. The rich, buttery sauce paired with garlic is simply irresistible! It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a gourmet chef, even if you’re just an enthusiastic home cook like me. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a weeknight staple in your home. It’s quick, satisfying, and just downright delicious! Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice or pasta, making it a versatile choice for any meal.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this dreamy dish! Make sure you have the following ingredients ready to go:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. Don’t skimp on the garlic; it’s what gives this dish its mouthwatering appeal! Now that you have your shopping list, let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Now let’s get down to the fun part—cooking! This recipe is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll impress everyone at the table. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious creamy garlic butter chicken in no time!

Season the Chicken

First things first, let’s season those chicken breasts! I like to sprinkle salt and pepper generously over both sides of the chicken. This simple step really brings out the flavor. Don’t be shy—seasoning is key! Make sure you get an even coating so each bite is savory and delicious.

Sauté the Chicken

Next, grab a skillet and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. You want it to be nice and bubbly, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Once the butter is melted, gently place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Wow, that smell will have you drooling!

Create the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Now, let’s make that luscious garlic sauce! Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—careful, it can burn quickly! Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. After a minute or two, stir in the heavy cream. You’ll want to mix this well and allow it to simmer until it thickens up a bit, about 3-5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon nicely—just perfect!

Combine and Garnish

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the chicken back into the skillet and let it simmer in that creamy sauce for a couple of minutes, soaking up all that flavor. Just before serving, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. And there you have it—your creamy garlic butter chicken is ready to shine on the dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick prep time: You can have this delicious meal on the table in just 30 minutes!
Rich, bold flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Satisfying meal: This dish is hearty and filling, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Low calorie: Enjoy a creamy dish without the guilt, making it great for those watching their calorie intake.
Easy to customize: Swap in your favorite herbs or add veggies to make it your own!
One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means you can enjoy your meal without the hassle.
Kid-friendly: This creamy garlic butter chicken is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family!

Tips for Success

Want to make your creamy garlic butter chicken even more amazing? Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure you nail this dish every time!

Adjust the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add more minced garlic for an extra punch of flavor. But if you’re not a huge fan, you can dial it back to 4 cloves or even try roasted garlic for a milder taste.
Check the Chicken: Make sure your chicken breasts are of even thickness for even cooking. If they’re too thick, they might need a bit more time, and if they’re thin, keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor even further. Toss them in while you simmer the sauce for a delightful twist.
Serve it Right: This dish goes beautifully with fluffy rice or al dente pasta. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Make it Ahead: If you’re planning a busy week, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove before adding the chicken—so simple!

With these tips, you’ll not only impress your family but also make the cooking process even more enjoyable. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one serving of creamy garlic butter chicken, based on the ingredients used:

Calories: 450
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 500mg
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 30g

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. But hey, knowing you’re enjoying a hearty dish like this without feeling guilty is just the icing on the cake—or should I say, the butter on the chicken! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative to breasts in this creamy garlic butter chicken recipe. They’re often juicier and more flavorful, which can add an extra depth to the dish. Just keep in mind that they might take a little longer to cook, so make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. You’ll still get that delicious garlic butter sauce soaking into every bite!

What can I serve with creamy garlic butter chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! You can’t go wrong with fluffy rice or al dente pasta to soak up that rich sauce. I also love serving it alongside some steamed veggies or a fresh garden salad for a nice balance. Garlic bread is another great option if you’re in the mood for something a little indulgent. You really can’t go wrong here—just pick your favorite!

Can this dish be made in advance?

Yes, you can definitely make this creamy garlic butter chicken in advance! To do this, prepare the sauce and cook the chicken as directed. After it’s all done, let everything cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. It’ll taste just as good, if not better, the next day! Just be sure not to overcook it during reheating, as you want to keep that creamy texture intact.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This creamy garlic butter chicken keeps well and can easily be stored for later enjoyment. To store, simply place any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down to room temperature before sealing it up—that way, you prevent any condensation from making your chicken soggy.

When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is super simple! I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just pour the chicken and sauce into a skillet over low heat, stirring gently to warm it through. This method helps to maintain that creamy texture and prevent the sauce from separating. It should take about 5-7 minutes to heat up, but keep an eye on it—nobody wants overcooked chicken!

If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just pop it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap (to avoid splatters), and heat in short bursts of 1 minute at a time, stirring in between, until warmed through. Be careful not to overdo it, as microwaving can dry out the chicken if you’re not careful.

Now you can enjoy your creamy garlic butter chicken all over again, and trust me, it’s just as good the second time around!

Creamy garlic butter chicken: 7 reasons to savor this dish

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy garlic butter chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken breasts
4 tablespoons butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Remove chicken and set aside.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Stir in heavy cream and mix well.
Return chicken to the skillet and cook until sauce thickens.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Adjust garlic quantity to taste.
This dish can be made in advance and reheated.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 450
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: creamy garlic butter chicken, chicken recipe, garlic chicken

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