Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

BY

January 3, 2026

Few dinners beat the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich, buttery cream sauce flavored with fresh garlic and herbs. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet fancy enough to serve guests. Every bite is silky, savory, and irresistible just the way comfort food should be.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in 30 minutes perfect for busy nights.
  • Uses just one skillet for easy cleanup.
  • Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with flavor.
  • Family-approved comfort food.
  • Delicious over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

StepTime
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Swaps:
Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add garlic to the skillet; sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  5. Pour in broth and cream, stirring to deglaze the pan.
  6. Whisk in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  7. Return chicken to skillet and coat with the sauce.
  8. Simmer 3–5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with:

  • Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
  • Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans.
  • Crusty bread to soak up that rich sauce.

Quick Tips or Variations

  • Add mushrooms or spinach for extra texture.
  • Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for deeper flavor.

FAQs

What are some interesting facts about Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken originated in Delhi, India, during the 1950s. It was created accidentally when leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in tomato gravy with butter and cream—creating the world-famous dish we know today.

What are some common Butter Chicken mistakes?
Overcooking chicken and skipping the marination can make it dry. Another mistake is not balancing cream and spices, resulting in either too rich or too bland sauce.

What to serve garlic butter chicken with?
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or garlic bread. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini noodles.

What is a creamy garlic chicken?
It’s a one-pan chicken recipe cooked in butter, garlic, and cream. The sauce becomes thick, luscious, and perfect for drizzling over your favorite sides.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet brings together flavor, comfort, and simplicity. Whether for a quick dinner or a cozy night in, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet


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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 30 min 1x

Description

Creamy, garlicky chicken in a rich butter sauce made in one skillet.


Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless chicken breasts

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup chicken broth

½ cup Parmesan cheese

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper

Fresh parsley


Instructions

1. Season chicken.

2. Heat butter and oil in skillet.

3. Sear chicken until golden.

4. Add garlic and sauté.

5. Stir in cream, broth, and cheese.

6. Simmer sauce.

7. Return chicken and coat.

8. Garnish and serve.

Notes

Serve with mashed potatoes or pasta.

Add spinach for color.

  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Category: 30 min
  • Method: 30 min
  • Cuisine: 30 min

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