Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

Weeknight dinners gain serious magic with this creamy garlic butter chicken that promises pure comfort.

Rich flavors dance across tender meat, creating an instant classic in your kitchen.

Fragrant herbs and silky sauce combine for a meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet incredibly simple.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Butter melts into a luxurious coating that keeps chicken impossibly juicy and delectable.

Garlic adds its signature warmth, turning an ordinary protein into something extraordinary.

You’ll want this recipe in your weekly rotation for its effortless elegance and crowd-pleasing potential.

Grab a skillet and prepare to be amazed by how quickly dinner dreams come true.

How to Store and Enjoy Garlic Butter Chicken Again

  • Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of broth, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, checking to prevent overcooking.
  • Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the chicken before reheating to keep the meat juicy and flavorful.

Sides That Work Best With Garlic Butter Chicken

  • A zesty Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, creamy sauce and complements the chicken's buttery flavor with its bright, citrusy notes.
  • Herb-roasted asparagus, carrots, and zucchini provide a colorful, nutritious side that echoes the Italian seasoning in the dish and adds textural contrast.
  • Smooth, garlicky potatoes soak up the delicious sauce and enhance the chicken's flavor profile, making each bite more indulgent and satisfying.
  • A light, lemony mixed green salad with fresh parsley and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy sauce.

Fun Ways to Switch Up Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for coating chicken. Use ghee instead of butter to increase healthy fat content and maintain ketogenic macronutrient profile.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Use dairy-free chicken broth and replace butter in sauce with coconut cream for similar creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging chicken. Ensure all ingredients like chicken broth are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add fresh chopped rosemary and thyme to Italian seasoning. Replace lemon juice with white wine for deeper flavor complexity and traditional Mediterranean cooking style.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Deserves a Spot in Your Menu

  • Combine simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and lemon to create a mouthwatering sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
  • Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, making it ideal for home cooks who want a restaurant-quality dinner without complex techniques.
  • Adaptable recipe that appeals to both adults and kids, works great for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings with friends.

What You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Chicken

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy protein, main star of the dish, look for fresh, evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
Seasoning and Coating:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental flavor enhancers for chicken, select fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light golden crust, helps seal in chicken's moisture and provides texture.
Flavor Builders:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Rich fat sources for cooking and creating sauce, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
  • Minced Garlic: Aromatic base that adds deep savory notes, fresh garlic provides the most intense flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds complexity and warmth, mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid component that enhances sauce's depth, low-sodium helps control overall saltiness.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright acidic element that balances richness, fresh squeezed provides the most vibrant taste.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh herbal finish, chop finely for best presentation.

How to Whip Up Garlic Butter Chicken with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. Dust each piece with a light coating of flour, making sure to tap off any extra powder.

Step 2: Brown Chicken to Perfection

Heat a large skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high flame. Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan. Cook each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are completely done through. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet where chicken was cooked, melt fresh butter. Add minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute until it releases its incredible aroma. Pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Lemon juice
  • Italian seasoning

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Let the sauce bubble gently for a few minutes. Return chicken pieces back to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the luxurious garlic butter sauce. Allow everything to simmer and mingle together.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Plate immediately while hot and aromatic.

Helpful Tricks for Garlic Butter Chicken Success

  • Flour Finesse: Tap off excess flour to ensure a light, crispy coating without clumping or heaviness.
  • Temperature Control: Use medium-high heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
  • Garlic Timing: Sauté garlic briefly to release its flavor without burning, which can create a bitter taste.
  • Sauce Consistency: Let the sauce simmer gently to blend flavors and slightly reduce, creating a rich, cohesive coating for the chicken.
  • Herb Boost: Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken elevates weeknight dinners with rich, comforting flavors that dance across palates. Garlic-infused butter and tender chicken create a luxurious meal promising restaurant-quality satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Coating:

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (120 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Liquids and Aromatics:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken by generously seasoning both sides with salt and pepper, then delicately coat each breast with a light dusting of flour, carefully shaking off any excess powder.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for the chicken. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan, cooking each side for 4-5 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the meat is thoroughly cooked. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately one minute. Swiftly incorporate Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and a splash of bright lemon juice, stirring to create a harmonious sauce.
  4. Lower the heat and let the sauce gently simmer, developing rich flavors for 2-3 minutes. Carefully return the cooked chicken to the skillet, lovingly basting each piece with the fragrant garlic butter sauce and allowing it to warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  5. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley over the top, creating a vibrant garnish that adds both color and a burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately while the chicken remains warm and the sauce is at its most tantalizing.

Notes

  • Flour Coating Trick: Use a light, even dusting of flour to create a delicate golden crust that locks in moisture and adds a subtle crunch to the chicken.
  • Smart Seasoning Strategy: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; they enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and create a perfect flavor base for the garlic butter sauce.
  • Garlic Intensity Control: Adjust the amount of minced garlic based on personal preference – less for a subtle hint, more for bold garlic lovers.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch to make the recipe gluten-free without compromising the crispy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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