Quick Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: A 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner
Need a quick and delicious weeknight dinner? This creamy garlic butter chicken comes together in just 20 minutes with simple, everyday ingredients. Perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting and satisfying.
Why This Quick Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Will Be Your New Go-To
We all have those evenings when cooking dinner seems like a chore. But you still want something home-cooked, warm, and satisfying. This quick creamy garlic butter chicken is the answer. Ready in just 20 minutes, it uses simple pantry staples and tastes like it's been simmering for hours. The sauce is rich, velvety, and packed with garlicky goodness. Pair it with pasta, rice, or a side of steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe relies on basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The star is heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version), butter, fresh garlic, and Parmesan. Chicken breasts cook quickly, making this perfect for a fast dinner. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, but you can skip it or use dried if that's what you have.
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)(optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Quick Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
🥕Ingredients
Tap to check off as you go
- 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
📋Instructions
- 1
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- 3
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 5
Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- 6
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for another minute until heated through.
- 7
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with a side of veggies.
💡 Pro Tips
- •For even thickness, pound chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness before cooking.
- •If sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of milk or additional broth.
- •Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
Nutrition per serving
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
To make the creamiest sauce, use full-fat heavy cream and real Parmesan cheese. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt. Also, don't let the garlic burn — 30 seconds in the butter is enough to release its flavor. If you're using half-and-half, be careful not to boil the sauce, as it can curdle.
Pro Cooking Tip
To ensure your chicken cooks evenly and doesn't dry out, let the pan get hot before adding the oil. You want a nice sear that locks in the juices. Also, rest the chicken for a few minutes after cooking before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic butter chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of fettuccine or angel hair pasta to soak up the sauce. It's also delicious with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of crusty bread. For a low-carb option, pair it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Add a side salad with a simple vinaigrette to offset the richness of the sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the chicken from drying out. The sauce may separate slightly upon reheating, but a good stir will bring it back together.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
This quick creamy garlic butter chicken is proof that you don't need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make a restaurant-quality dinner. In just 20 minutes, you have a luscious, comforting meal that the whole family will love. It's perfect for those nights when you want something special but don't have a lot of time. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
Written by
Elena RossiI'm Elena, a home cook turned recipe developer. At cooking word, I share simple, seasonal dishes inspired by my Italian roots and busy life.
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