Okay, mama tribe, let’s talk about one of my ultimate sanity-saving dinners: Garlic Butter Chicken. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a hug on a plate after a long day of school drop-offs, tantrums, and endless laundry. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone (even the picky eaters!) come running to the table.
I remember the first time I made Garlic Butter Chicken. It was a Tuesday (because, let’s be honest, aren’t all weeknights chaotic?), and I was staring blankly into the fridge at 5 PM, wondering how I was going to pull off dinner. The kids were hangry, the dog was barking, and I was seriously considering ordering takeout. Then, I remembered this simple garlic butter chicken recipe I had seen online. It saved my dinner sanity that night, and now, it’s a regular in our meal rotation.
This Garlic Butter Chicken quickly became a family favorite! The kids loved the creamy sauce, and I loved how quick and easy it was to throw together. Plus, it’s made with ingredients I usually have on hand. It’s a win-win!
If you’re a fellow kitchen warrior looking for a delicious, stress-free dinner solution, you’ve come to the right place. This Garlic Butter Chicken is about to become your new best friend! Trust me, you got this! Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Trust me, this Garlic Butter Chicken ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! I like to keep things simple. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store like Target or Walmart.
No worries if you don’t have heavy cream! I use milk with a tablespoon of butter mixed in all the time in my creamy garlic butter chicken. It works like a charm! This Garlic Butter Chicken doesn’t have to break the bank.
Here’s a Garlic Butter Chicken trick that saved my sanity: I pre-chop the garlic and store it in the fridge. When I need it, it’s ready to go! It saves so much time during the week.
My family loves when I add extra garlic! So, sometimes I’ll throw in an extra clove or two for that extra punch of flavor. Storage wisdom for leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Okay, let’s get cooking! This Garlic Butter Chicken is so easy, even on the busiest of weeknights.
- First, season your chicken. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure each piece is coated well. This is important for flavor!
- Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet; we’re going to use those delicious browned bits for the sauce!
- Now, it’s sauce time! Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will taste bitter. While you are doing that, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Your Garlic Butter Chicken should smell amazing by now!
- Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. This adds a bright, fresh flavor to the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Finally, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy garlic butter chicken sauce. Cook for another minute or two, until the chicken is heated through.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Garlic Butter Chicken – don’t make my mistake! I wouldn’t cook the chicken long enough. Remember to make sure it’s fully cooked! In my chaotic kitchen, this Garlic Butter Chicken usually takes about 20 minutes to make from start to finish. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile! Don’t panic if your Garlic Butter Chicken looks a little watery at first; the sauce will thicken as it simmers.
Craving more delicious and simple chicken recipes like this easy garlic butter chicken? Then, try this Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza.
How We Love to Eat This!
Okay, mama, you’ve made this amazing Garlic Butter Chicken, so now let’s talk about how to serve it. Presentation is key (even if it’s just for your little ones!). My family loves it best served over rice or pasta. It soaks up all that delicious garlic herb butter chicken sauce.
The kids devour this Garlic Butter Chicken when I serve it with steamed broccoli or green beans. They love having something green on their plate. This Garlic Butter Chicken is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners! It’s quick, easy, and everyone loves it.
This dish is also great for potlucks or casual get-togethers with friends. I’ve even made a double batch for a family gathering, and it was a huge hit.
For a seasonal variation, try adding some roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini during the summer months. In the fall, you could add some butternut squash or sweet potatoes. If there are any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), I like to use them to make chicken salad sandwiches the next day.
Want another incredibly delicious chicken recipe like this pan seared garlic butter chicken? Then check out my tasty Pretzel Crusted Chicken.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I get about this Garlic Butter Chicken, answered with a little bit of mom-to-mom wisdom:
Can my picky eater handle this Garlic Butter Chicken?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and mild flavors are usually a hit with picky eaters. You can also cut the chicken into smaller pieces or serve it with a side of their favorite veggie to make it even more appealing. My kids usually gobble it up!
What if I burn my Garlic Butter Chicken? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! If you burn the garlic, start over with fresh garlic. Burnt garlic can make the whole dish taste bitter. If you slightly overcook the chicken, just add a little extra sauce to keep it moist.
Can I make this Garlic Butter Chicken ahead for meal prep?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet or microwave. This is a great way to save time during the week.
Can I use a different type of cream?
Yes! If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk with a tablespoon of butter added. The sauce won’t be as thick, but it will still taste delicious.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just add them to the skillet along with the garlic and cook until tender.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley works just fine! Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley in place of the fresh.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth. Serve the garlic butter chicken recipe over rice or gluten-free pasta to keep it gluten-free.
Need another super easy recipe that will save your sanity? Then, try this Homemade Spiced Pumpkin Butter.
Final Thoughts:
This Garlic Butter Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a little bit of comfort and joy in the middle of our beautiful chaos. It’s become a staple in our house because it’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. And that’s what makes garlic butter chicken so special to my family.
My Garlic Butter Chicken Mom Hacks:
- Prep ahead: Chop the garlic and measure out the spices ahead of time to save even more time during the week.
- Double the recipe: Make a double batch and freeze half for a future meal.
- Use pre-cooked chicken: If you’re really short on time, use pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store.
Here are a few family-tested Garlic Butter Chicken variations:
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick. My husband loves this version!
- Garlic Herb Butter Chicken: Add a mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to the sauce. The kids love the extra flavor!
- Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce for a cheesy twist.
Remember, mama, the best recipes are the ones you make your own! So, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find a version that your family loves. I hope you love this Garlic Butter Chicken as much as we do! It’s a winner in my book. You got this! Enjoy!

If you’re looking for recipe inspiration similar to this Garlic Butter Chicken & Creamy Potatoes, check out these delicious meals: High Protein Garlic Butter Chicken & Creamy Potatoes! 551 …, Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus Recipe (One-Pan) | The Kitchn, and High Protein Garlic Butter Chicken & Creamy Potatoes! Only 551 ….
You are an amazing mom and will impress with this dish, guaranteed! Enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken!
Garlic Butter Chicken
This Garlic Butter Chicken is incredibly flavorful and easy to make! Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared and then simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect served over rice or pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in dried thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon garlic butter sauce over them.
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Serve this Garlic Butter Chicken over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce at the end.