Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

When it comes to comfort food, there’s just something about creamy garlic butter chicken that hits the spot every single time. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and then bathed in a rich, velvety sauce made with butter, garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Add a handful of fresh spinach for color and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s indulgent, flavorful, and just so satisfying.

This recipe is one of those dishes that always impresses, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, preparing a weeknight meal, or just want something cozy after a long day, this creamy garlic butter chicken delivers on both flavor and ease. I’m always amazed at how simple ingredients like chicken, garlic, and cream can come together to create something so rich and delicious. If you’re looking to add a little flair to your regular chicken dinner rotation, this is your go-to.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s quickly run through the ingredients you’ll need. The beauty of this dish is that it uses mostly pantry staples, so you probably already have most of them at home.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups spinach leaves

Now that we’ve got everything, let’s jump into making this dreamy creamy garlic butter chicken!

Step 1: Season the Chicken Breasts

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. You don’t need to go overboard here; just a simple seasoning will do the trick. The salt will help enhance the natural flavors of the chicken, and the pepper will add a little kick.

Once your chicken is nicely seasoned, set it aside for a moment while you prep the skillet.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Next, heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is nice and hot (but not smoking!), carefully place the chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

You’ll know the chicken is ready when it’s golden on the outside and no longer pink in the center. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet just yet; we want to keep those flavorful bits at the bottom for the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now, in the same skillet, it’s time to make the star of the dish: the creamy garlic butter sauce. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and melt it over medium heat. As soon as the butter melts and starts to bubble, add your minced garlic. Stir it around for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant.

At this point, you’ll notice the skillet is smelling heavenly—garlic and butter are a match made in heaven! Now, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients to form the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Broth, Cream, and Parmesan

Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Then, add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, which will help thicken the sauce and give it that wonderfully cheesy flavor.

Throw in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to give the sauce some depth and a subtle heat. Stir it all together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld together, and the sauce can thicken slightly.

Continuing with the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Now that we’ve got the base of our creamy garlic butter sauce ready, it’s time to add the finishing touches that really take this dish to the next level. From here on out, the process is super simple, and you’ll be indulging in a bowl of creamy, garlicky goodness in no time. Let’s jump right back into the recipe!

Step 5: Add the Fresh Spinach

Once your sauce has simmered for a couple of minutes and is beginning to thicken, it’s time to introduce the spinach. Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves. As the spinach heats up, it will start to wilt and blend right into the creamy sauce. Not only does it add a gorgeous pop of green, but it also contributes a mild, slightly earthy flavor that complements the richness of the sauce beautifully.

Keep an eye on the spinach as it cooks—it only takes about 2-3 minutes for it to soften and fully wilt down into the sauce.

Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Now that your sauce is looking dreamy and the spinach is perfectly wilted, it’s time to return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Place each chicken breast back in the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce. Don’t forget to spoon some of that rich, creamy sauce over the top of the chicken! This will infuse the chicken with even more flavor as it simmers.

Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened up nicely. You’ll want to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for it to be safe to eat.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, it’s time to serve up this creamy garlic butter chicken! Spoon some of the delicious sauce and spinach over the chicken breasts and give it a quick taste test. The combination of the rich garlic butter sauce and tender chicken is absolutely irresistible.

Now, you can serve this dish however you like. It pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or even a slice of crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce. I personally love it with a side of pasta—just imagine twirling that creamy sauce with your noodles! However you choose to serve it, just know that you’re in for a treat.

Pro Tip: If you like your sauce extra thick, let it simmer a little longer before returning the chicken to the skillet. This will help the sauce reduce and concentrate the flavors even more. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out a bit.

Now that you have all the ingredients and steps covered, let’s move on to some common questions that might come up while making this creamy garlic butter chicken.

FAQ Section: Common Questions About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! While this recipe is written for chicken breasts, you can definitely substitute them with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are a little more forgiving when it comes to cooking time and can add a richer flavor to the dish. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as alternatives, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. To thicken it up a bit, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the broth and let it simmer before adding the cream substitute.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This creamy garlic butter chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. The chicken will still taste just as delicious!

4. Is it possible to make this dish without spinach?

Yes, you can definitely make this dish without spinach if you’re not a fan or don’t have any on hand. You could replace it with other greens like kale, or even leave it out entirely. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful!

5. Can I add more heat to the sauce?

If you like a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste. You could even throw in a small diced jalapeño for an extra layer of heat. Just be cautious and taste as you go—it’s easier to add more spice than to take it out!

6. Can I use grated cheese instead of Parmesan?

You can use other types of cheese in place of Parmesan, but keep in mind that Parmesan’s sharp, salty flavor is what really makes the sauce sing. If you use a milder cheese, the flavor of the sauce will change. Mozzarella or Asiago could be great alternatives, but expect a different flavor profile.

7. Can I freeze leftover creamy garlic butter chicken?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to cool it down completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then gently reheat on the stove. The sauce may separate a little, so you may need to stir it to bring it back together.

Conclusion: A Meal You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

If you’ve made it this far, I bet your kitchen is smelling absolutely amazing, and you can’t wait to dig into this creamy garlic butter chicken. It’s one of those recipes that never disappoints—rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or just a cozy meal for yourself, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! Don’t forget to share your experience with me in the comments below or tag me on social media with any fun twists you’ve tried. I’d love to hear how this dish turned out for you.

Happy cooking, and enjoy!

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