Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re after a comforting meal that’s impossibly flavorful and quick to throw together, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken. Imagine juicy bites of chicken coated in an aromatic, buttery garlic sauce, resting atop creamy, cheese-laden pasta—every forkful is pure bliss! This recipe amps up weeknight dinners and will have your family begging for seconds. Thanks to a handful of kitchen staples and plenty of bold, garlicky flavor, you’re in for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with Garlic Butter Chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about simple ingredients coming together so perfectly. Each one here pulls its weight: the chicken brings tenderness, the butter and garlic offer rich, savory notes, and the pasta catches all those luxurious sauces. Here’s what you’ll need to create this dazzling dinner:

• Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces): Lean and quick to cook, these become beautifully golden in the pan.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sear the chicken for a gorgeous, crispy edge.
• Butter, unsalted (4 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons): Gives the chicken that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor.
• Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Star of the dish—don’t skimp! Fresh minced garlic infuses every bite.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for drawing out all the flavors in the chicken and sauce.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a wonderful depth and a hint of herbaceousness.
• Parsley, fresh (chopped, for garnish): Brightens up and adds a fresh, herby finish.
• Fettuccine or your favorite pasta (12 oz): Acts as the perfect base for all that creamy sauce. Go for fettuccine for extra decadence!
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings richness and that dreamy, silky texture to the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup): For deeply savory, salty goodness with every bite.
• Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Lightens and balances the creamy sauce.
• Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling): For those who love things extra-rich and extra-garlicky.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water’s bubbling away, add your pasta and cook until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve a splash of that pasta water—it makes a handy addition to loosen the sauce if it gets a bit too thick.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes so they develop a lovely golden crust. Flip and stir occasionally, ensuring all sides are evenly cooked before moving on.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

While the chicken is still cooking, sprinkle on the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This early seasoning allows the spices to seep into the meat, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor. Once the chicken is golden and cooked through—this should take about 6 to 8 minutes—scoop it out of the pan and keep it warm on a plate.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and melt four tablespoons of unsalted butter in the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant. This is where Garlic Butter Chicken really comes to life—the smell is utterly irresistible! Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss so every piece gets coated in that aromatic, buttery sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Sauce

In a separate pan, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the rest of your minced garlic and give it a scant minute to release its aroma—don’t let it brown! Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let everything come to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors together.

Step 6: Whisk In the Cheese

Now, for the dreamy finish: add in the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce thickens into a smooth, creamy blanket. Season with additional salt and pepper, tasting along the way, so the flavors hit just right. If the sauce gets too thick, remember that reserved pasta water—that’s your trick for achieving silky perfection.

Step 7: Toss the Pasta

Toss the cooked pasta right into the cream sauce, giving it a good swirl so every strand is generously coated. If you’re after a bit more richness, drizzle in some of that optional extra garlic butter now. You’ll thank yourself later!

Step 8: Combine and Serve

Twirl the creamy pasta onto plates or into a big serving bowl, and nestle your sizzling garlic butter chicken bites right on top. Shower with freshly chopped parsley and, if you’re feeling extra garlicky, a final drizzle of garlic butter to crown it off.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a gorgeous pop of green but also brings a little herbal lift to the dish. You might also want to finish your Garlic Butter Chicken with a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a grating of lemon zest for brightness. It’s the perfect Instagram-worthy finishing touch!

Side Dishes

This dish is delightfully rich, so consider crisp-tender green veggies like broccolini, asparagus, or a simple garden salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette on the side. Warm, crusty bread is also a fantastic choice—nothing beats mopping up the last puddles of that savory garlic butter sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

If you love a playful table, try serving Garlic Butter Chicken family-style on a big platter so everyone can help themselves. Or, for an elegant touch, twirl each portion of pasta into neat nests and top each with a stack of chicken. Sprinkle microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-style flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Garlic Butter Chicken keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store the chicken and pasta together in an airtight container so the flavors have more time to mingle and deepen.

Freezing

You can freeze Garlic Butter Chicken, but for best results, freeze just the cooked chicken and sauce. The pasta tends to lose texture when frozen and reheated, so boil fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container and enjoy within two months for peak flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the pan and warm gently over low heat, stirring often. This helps loosen up the sauce and brings back that silky consistency. The microwave works in a pinch, but the stovetop keeps everything tender and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving, stay juicier, and add even more flavor to Garlic Butter Chicken. Just trim off any excess fat and follow the recipe as written.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine is classic because its flat strands soak up the creamy sauce, but penne, linguine, or even rotini all work wonderfully. Use your favorite or whatever you have on hand!

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you’d like to lighten things up, use half-and-half or even whole milk—they’ll still yield a creamy sauce, just a tad less rich. You can also try a splash of evaporated milk for an extra-silky sauce.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Double-check seasonings and all ingredient labels, but the creamy garlic butter sauce is naturally gluten-free.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Cut the chicken into even pieces so they cook at the same rate, and try not to overcook—once the chicken turns opaque and golden, it’s done. Searing it in olive oil and butter helps lock in moisture, too.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those dishes that brings people together and makes ordinary evenings feel special. Every bite is creamy, garlicky, and hearty—exactly what we all crave at the end of a busy day. Give it a try, and get ready for lots of happy faces around your dinner table!

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