A Rich and Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion
If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality meal that you can prepare at home in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect choice. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a creamy finish. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thin fillets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Season and Simmer: Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your choice of sides.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add even more flavor to the dish.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
Notes and Tips
- If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).
- For a touch of freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Enjoy this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken as a comforting meal that’s quick and easy to prepare!
