This creamy garlic butter chicken recipe is the kind of comforting, reliable dinner that never goes out of style. Tender chicken breasts are seared until golden, then simmered in a rich garlic butter cream sauce that’s simple, bold, and deeply satisfying. It’s a one-pan dish designed for real life: fast enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests.

What makes this recipe special isn’t complexity — it’s balance. The garlic is aromatic but not overpowering, the butter adds richness without heaviness, and the cream brings everything together into a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every bite. If you enjoy chicken dishes with bright seasoning and bold flavor, recipes like Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites follow a similar philosophy: simple ingredients, strong technique, and big payoff.

This creamy garlic butter chicken is meant to become a staple you return to again and again.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken served on a white plate, covered with golden sauce and sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken – One Skillet Comfort Food

A rich and comforting chicken recipe made in one pan! Tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy garlic butter sauce with herbs and a hint of parmesan. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 700 g)
40 g unsalted butter (divided)
15 ml olive oil
5 garlic cloves, minced
240 ml heavy cream
120 ml chicken broth
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
3 g dried Italian herbs (mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
10 g fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
4 g salt (or to taste)
2 g black pepper (freshly ground)

Equipment

Large non-stick skillet
Kitchen tongs
Wooden spoon or spatula
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons

Method

Season the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 20 g butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
Add cheese and herbs: Stir in Parmesan and Italian herbs. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine: Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer 3–4 minutes until heated through.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with pasta, rice, or roasted potatoes.

Notes

Substitute chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream.
Perfectly pairs with mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables.

Why this creamy garlic butter chicken works

Great creamy chicken dishes rely on timing. The chicken is seared first to build flavor, then finished gently in the sauce so it stays juicy. Garlic is added after searing to prevent bitterness, and the cream is introduced at a lower heat to keep the sauce smooth.

Instead of masking the chicken, the sauce enhances it. Every ingredient has a clear purpose, which is why the flavors feel rich but never heavy.

Ingredient notes (what truly matters)

You’ll find exact measurements in the recipe card, but these details make a real difference.

Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs give a slightly richer result.

Butter
Use real butter for depth of flavor. Add it after searing so it doesn’t burn.

Garlic
Fresh garlic is essential. Mince or grate it finely for even distribution.

Cream
Heavy cream creates the smoothest sauce. Lower-fat cream may curdle or thin out.

Seasoning
Salt, pepper, and optional Italian-style herbs are enough. The sauce should stay garlic-forward.

Tips for perfect creamy garlic butter chicken

Pat the chicken dry before searing
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Add garlic after the chicken has browned
Simmer gently once cream is added

If you love this style of sauce, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites, which uses the same creamy-garlic base with an added cheesy depth.

Variations you can try

This recipe is easy to customize.

Spinach version
Stir fresh spinach into the sauce until wilted.

Mushroom version
Add sliced mushrooms after searing the chicken.

Spicy version
Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Lemon garlic version
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Each variation keeps the creamy garlic butter base intact.

Serving ideas

Creamy garlic butter chicken pairs well with simple sides that soak up the sauce:

Mashed potatoes
Rice or orzo
Pasta
Steamed vegetables

If you’re in the mood for another comforting dinner with a rich sauce, Spaghetti Carbonara is a great next recipe to try.

Storage and reheating

Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk if needed.

Freezing
Cream-based sauces can separate slightly, but this dish freezes reasonably well.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Thighs are slightly juicier and more forgiving.

Why is my sauce thin?
Simmer a few minutes longer or use heavy cream.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and the flavor improves after resting.

Final thoughts

Creamy garlic butter chicken is a perfect example of how a few well-chosen ingredients and proper technique can create something truly special. It’s comforting, versatile, and consistently delicious — the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

For general background on chicken as a culinary ingredient, you can consult Wikipedia – Chicken as food