When it comes to easy weeknight dinners that taste like they took hours, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is at the top of the list. This dish is rich, silky, and bursting with flavors of garlic, herbs, and perfectly seared chicken. What I love most is how quickly it comes together—just one pan, no complicated steps, and ingredients you probably already have at home.
This recipe is ideal for busy evenings, small family gatherings, or even when you want to treat yourself to something comforting. The sauce is unbelievably smooth and luxurious, perfect for pouring over rice, mashed potatoes, or even a bowl of warm pasta.
Let’s dive into this deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan magic – Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Restaurant-style taste with simple home ingredients.
- Creamy, garlicky, buttery heaven — what’s not to love?
- Customizable – Works with chicken thighs, breasts, or even tofu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 6–7 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat butter in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and starts to bubble, add the chicken. Sear until golden on both sides — about 5–6 minutes each. Remove and set aside.
2. Build the Garlic Butter Base
In the same pan, add a little more butter if needed. Toss in your chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. This step is the soul of the recipe — the garlic butter smell instantly makes the kitchen feel warm and cozy.
3. Add the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir gently, scraping the browned bits off the bottom. This creates a deeper, richer flavor.
Add oregano and thyme. Let everything simmer on low heat for 3–4 minutes.
4. Return the Chicken to the Pan
Place your seared chicken back into the sauce. Spoon the creamy mixture over it.
Cover and cook for another 8–10 minutes until the chicken is tender and juicy.
5. Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat, sprinkle fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Best Ways to Serve It
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Garlic rice
- Steamed vegetables
- Penne or fettuccine pasta
- Crispy roasted potatoes
The creamy sauce melts into everything it touches — making each bite deliciously comforting.
Tips for Extra Flavor
- Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant aroma.
- Substitute cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to make it heartier.
Nutrition (Approx per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 37g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbs: 6g