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Creamy garlic butter chicken in a rich, savory sauce served on a plate

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

A quick and comforting creamy garlic butter chicken recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Can also use chicken thighs.
Garlic Butter Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons butter Divided between cooking and sauce.
  • 4 cloves minced garlic Adds flavor and aroma.
  • 1 cup chicken broth For deglazing the pan.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream For creaminess.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For flavor; alternatively, can reduce quantity.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Brightens the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika For color.
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives For garnish and added freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat a wide skillet with a tablespoon of oil and a knob of butter over medium heat.
  3. Sear the chicken in the hot pan, leaving it untouched for a few minutes until golden edges form.
  4. Flip the chicken and cook most of the way through, then set aside on a plate.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt more butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Stir until fragrant.
  2. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits.
  3. Mix in cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add lemon juice, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Simmering and Finishing
  1. Nestle the chicken back into the sauce and spoon some sauce over the top.
  2. Let it simmer on low until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
  3. If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or a little water; if too thin, simmer for another minute.
  4. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

This dish can be served with buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. It rehydrates well for next-day leftovers. Adjust thickness of the sauce as needed during cooking.