Looking for a rich, comforting dinner that’s easy to whip up? Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is a Garlic Butter Skillet Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious garlic butter sauce, perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests. This buttery chicken dish is packed with flavor and comes together in one skillet for minimal cleanup. Let’s make this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and elevate your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
- Rich and Flavorful: This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken blends garlic and cream for a decadent sauce.
- One-Pan Ease: Cooks in a single skillet for quick cleanup.
- Quick Prep: Ready in about 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with various sides for a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A comforting buttery chicken dish everyone will love.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy chicken skillet (serves 4):
For the Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Serving (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken: Breasts keep this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken lean; thighs add extra juiciness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic maximizes flavor in this buttery chicken dish.
- Cream: Substitute half-and-half for a lighter creamy chicken skillet.
- Parmesan: Swap for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Butter: Use salted butter for extra seasoning, adjusting salt as needed.
Directions for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
Let’s make this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken—a perfect buttery chicken dish!
Prep the Chicken
I season 4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat 1 tbsp olive oil, then cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). I remove the chicken to a plate.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, I melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. I stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup Parmesan, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning, whisking until smooth and thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
Combine and Simmer
I return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. I simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm through, ensuring the creamy chicken skillet is fully coated.
Serve
I garnish with parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges, savoring this buttery chicken dish.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Servings: 4 (1 chicken breast per serving)
- Calories: ~500–550 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 10g carbs, 35g protein, 35g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
Try these twists on this creamy chicken skillet:
- Mushroom Boost: Add sliced mushrooms with garlic for an earthy buttery chicken dish.
- Spinach Twist: Stir in fresh spinach, inspired by Food and Tips’ Sun Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a fiery creamy chicken skillet.
- Herb Swap: Use fresh thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Food and Tips’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with Food and Tips’ Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese for a decadent meal.
- Enjoy with Food and Tips’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a light pairing.
Storage
I store leftover buttery chicken dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, I cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight. I reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve with extra sauce drizzled over this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken for elegance.
- Garnish: Add parsley or a lemon wedge for brightness.
- Pairing: Pair with mashed potatoes or Food and Tips’ Coconut Cooler for balance.
- Portion Size: 1 chicken breast per person for a satisfying meal.
- Occasions: Ideal for weeknights, date nights, or small gatherings.
FAQs About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs add juiciness to this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken; adjust cooking time slightly.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan for a dairy-free creamy chicken skillet.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Cook over medium-low heat and whisk constantly for a smooth buttery chicken dish.
Can I add vegetables?
Add broccoli or spinach to the sauce for a veggie-packed creamy chicken skillet.
Can I make it ahead?
Cook the chicken and sauce separately, combining when ready to serve for the best texture.
More Recipes to Try:
- Parmesan Crusted Cod – A High Protein Dinner Delight
- Split Pea Soup – A Cozy Quick Dinner
- German Potato Soup (Easy & Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe)
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich, comforting dish that’s quick to make and bursting with flavor. This creamy chicken skillet is perfect for any night. Whip up this buttery chicken dish, gather your loved ones, and enjoy its delicious warmth!

Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
For the Dish:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- 3 tbsp 45g unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
- ½ cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Serving (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- I season 4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat 1 tbsp olive oil, then cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). I remove the chicken to a plate.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, I melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. I stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup Parmesan, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning, whisking until smooth and thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
Combine and Simmer
- I return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. I simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm through, ensuring the creamy chicken skillet is fully coated.
Serve
- I garnish with parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges, savoring this buttery chicken dish.
Notes
Did you Like This Recipe? Please Rate and Comment Below!