Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet – A Deliciously Simple 30-Minute Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is the dish you’ve been waiting for.

With a perfectly seared chicken breast smothered in a velvety garlic butter sauce, this one-pan wonder is both quick and easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.

The luscious creaminess, combined with the fragrant garlic and buttery goodness, creates a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

What’s even better is that it’s made in a single skillet, so cleanup is a breeze!

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those who want a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a special someone, this creamy garlic butter chicken is sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make this dish so irresistible. You probably already have many of these items in your kitchen, and the few simple additions help elevate the flavors to make every bite a comforting experience.

Main Ingredients

Chicken Breasts or Thighs
You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Boneless skinless breasts are ideal for a quicker cook time, while thighs offer a bit more flavor and tenderness.

Garlic
Fresh garlic is essential to creating the rich, aromatic base of this dish. Be sure to mince it finely to ensure it cooks evenly and imparts that signature garlic flavor.

Butter
Butter is the secret ingredient that brings everything together. It adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the garlic to perfection.

Heavy Cream
Heavy cream gives the sauce its luscious, smooth texture. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half, but the cream will deliver the best richness.

Chicken Broth
Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce and helps balance the richness of the butter and cream. If you want an even deeper flavor, opt for a low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.

Optional Ingredients

Parmesan Cheese
For a cheesy twist, you can add Parmesan cheese to the sauce. It melts beautifully, thickening the sauce and infusing it with an extra layer of savory flavor.

Fresh Herbs
Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley will enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor. Herbs bring a freshness that brightens the richness of the sauce.

Seasonings
A simple combination of salt, pepper, and paprika will help bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and complement the creamy sauce.

How to Prepare the Chicken for Your Skillet

The key to a successful creamy garlic butter chicken skillet lies in perfectly searing the chicken. The process is simple, but taking a few extra steps will ensure the chicken is juicy and flavorful, making the entire dish even more delicious.

Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs with a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika. The seasoning will penetrate the chicken, creating a flavorful crust on the outside once it’s seared in the skillet. If you prefer, you can add a bit of garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth, but the garlic butter sauce will provide most of the flavor.

Pound the Chicken (Optional)

If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, it’s a good idea to pound them lightly. This ensures that they cook evenly, preventing parts from being overcooked while others are underdone. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently tap with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are a uniform thickness.

Sear the Chicken

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil or butter. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts (or thighs) into the pan. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure an even sear. Cook the chicken for about 4-6 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness, until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. You’ll use the same skillet to make the creamy garlic butter sauce, so don’t discard those delicious browned bits left behind – they will add even more flavor to your sauce!

Cooking the Chicken and Combining It with the Sauce

Once your chicken is perfectly seared, it’s time to bring it all together with the creamy garlic butter sauce. The chicken should now be tender and golden brown, and we’ll now incorporate it into the luscious sauce to let the flavors meld.

Bring the Chicken Back Into the Skillet

After removing the chicken from the skillet, you’ll have those flavorful bits (fond) left behind. These are golden nuggets of flavor that will enhance your sauce. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up those browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This helps build a rich base for your sauce.

Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the broth has simmered for a couple of minutes and slightly reduced, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Now, add the butter, allowing it to melt into the broth. The garlic butter combination will begin to bubble and create a rich, flavorful sauce.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. As the cream heats up, the sauce will thicken slightly. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, add it now and stir until it’s melted into the sauce, adding an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.

Reintroduce the Chicken to the Skillet

Now that the sauce is creamy and fragrant, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is generously coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb some of the sauce.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for a bit longer, allowing the cream to reduce further. Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.

Final Touches

Before serving, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. These will add a touch of color and a fresh, aromatic flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Serve the chicken with the sauce spooned over the top for an irresistible meal.

Tips for Perfecting This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

To make sure your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips that can elevate your cooking game and ensure a smooth, flavorful dish.

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Overcooking the chicken can result in dry, tough meat. To avoid this, make sure to sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and then remove it from the pan once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you’re using chicken thighs, the cooking time may vary slightly, but be mindful of the temperature to maintain juiciness.

2. Use Fresh Garlic

For the best flavor, always use fresh garlic. Pre-minced garlic can sometimes have a harsher, less vibrant taste. When garlic is sautéed in butter, it infuses the entire sauce with a warm, aromatic depth that’s crucial to the dish’s overall flavor.

3. Balance the Sauce Consistency

If you find that the sauce is too thin, simply let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. On the other hand, if the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or a little more cream to loosen it up. You can adjust the consistency to suit your preferences.

4. Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess

Parmesan cheese is an optional but highly recommended addition to the sauce. It not only enhances the flavor but also thickens the sauce, adding a nice richness. If you want a more indulgent dish, don’t skip this step—it takes the sauce to the next level!

5. Customize the Flavor Profile

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can give the sauce a bright, fragrant twist. If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

6. Don’t Skip the Resting Time

After combining the chicken with the sauce, let it simmer in the skillet for a few minutes to allow the flavors to come together. This step is crucial because it gives the chicken time to absorb the creamy sauce, making every bite even more flavorful.

7. Serve With the Right Sides

Pair this creamy garlic butter chicken with something that will complement the rich sauce. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables. The sauce will perfectly coat these sides, turning each bite into a heavenly experience.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create a deliciously creamy, flavorful dish every time you make this skillet chicken recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions you might have while preparing or customizing your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet:

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

Yes, you can absolutely use chicken thighs! They will provide a richer, juicier texture, making the dish even more flavorful. Bone-in, skin-on thighs can also be used, but make sure to adjust the cooking time since they will take a bit longer to cook through.

2. How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If your sauce is too thin, simply let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. On the other hand, if you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Adjust to your desired consistency and taste.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat them together in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

4. Can I use a different type of cream?

Heavy cream works best for a rich, creamy texture, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk. However, using milk may result in a thinner sauce, so you might want to add a little more Parmesan to thicken it up.

5. What sides pair well with this dish?

This creamy garlic butter chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is the epitome of comfort food—quick to make, yet bursting with flavor. From the tender chicken to the velvety garlic butter sauce, every bite is a delightful experience. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe promises to satisfy every time. With just a few simple ingredients and one skillet, you’ll have a gourmet meal that’s sure to impress.

Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something rich, creamy, and utterly delicious. Don’t forget to share your own twist on the dish or any tips you have for making it your own. We’d love to hear how it turns out for you!

Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, buttery bite!