Of course! Here is a delicious and detailed recipe for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken, complete with tips for the perfect sauce and serving suggestions.
This recipe is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It features tender, golden-brown chicken smothered in a rich, velvety, and incredibly flavorful sauce.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
This dish is the ultimate comfort food. The sauce is the real star—garlicky, buttery, and creamy without being overly heavy.
—
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
· 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets or 4 chicken thighs
· 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
· 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
· 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dredging)
· 2 tbsp olive oil
· 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
· 3 tbsp unsalted butter
· 4-5 large garlic cloves, minced (about 1.5 tbsp)
· 1 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine like Chardonnay for extra flavor)
· 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
· ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of thyme, oregano, parsley)
· Salt and pepper to taste
· Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
—
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine), scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release all the flavorful browned bits (this is called “fond” and is packed with flavor). Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Create the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and dried herbs. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer (do not boil vigorously). Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Finish and Serve: Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it warm through for 1-2 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle with plenty of fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
—
Tips for the Perfect Dish
· Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of giving it a beautiful sear.
· The Power of Fond: Those brown bits left in the pan after searing the chicken are pure flavor. Make sure to scrape them all up when you add the broth.
· Garlic is Key: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Jarred minced garlic can have a different, often sharper, taste.
· Control the Heat: When adding the cream, keep the heat low to prevent it from curdling or separating.
· Sauce Too Thin? Let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, you can create a quick slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stirring it into the simmering sauce.
· Sauce Too Thick? Thin it out with a little more chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
· Pasta: This is classic! Serve over a bed of fettuccine, linguine, or tagliatelle to soak up all the sauce.
· Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a fantastic comfort food pairing.
· Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice works wonderfully.
· Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or a simple fresh salad to balance the richness.
Enjoy your incredibly delicious and creamy garlic butter chicken