Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, golden-brown chicken breasts with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is both quick and delicious, making it an instant favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

Chicken:

• 4 thin-cut chicken breasts (see note)
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 head garlic, peeled and clove ends cut off
• 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture to coat completely, shaking off any excess.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant. Add a little chicken broth to deglaze the pan, being sure to scrape up the brown bits on the bottom.

4. Thicken the Sauce:

• Add the remaining broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Cook until simmering, then reduce the heat to medium. Stir often until the sauce has thickened. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

5. Combine and Serve:

• Return the chicken to the pan along with any resting juices on the plate. Cook for 2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it cooks. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

Prep Time: 15 min | Cooking Time: 20 min | Total Time: 35 min | Kcal: Approximately 450 per serving | Servings: 4

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Variations:

1. Spinach and Mushroom:

• Add sautéed spinach and mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

2. Sun-Dried Tomato:

• Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for a tangy twist.

3. Bacon:

• Add crispy bacon bits to the sauce for a smoky, savory flavor.

4. Lemon:

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.

5. Herb:

• Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the sauce for an aromatic touch.

6. Creamy Mushroom Chicken:

• Add sliced mushrooms to the pan after cooking the chicken. Sauté until they release their juices and turn golden brown, then proceed with making the sauce. The mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to the dish.

7. Pesto Chicken:

• Stir in a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto into the sauce before adding the chicken back to the pan. This adds a fresh, herbaceous twist to the creamy garlic butter sauce.

8. Tomato Basil Chicken:

• Add a cup of cherry tomatoes cut in half and fresh basil leaves to the sauce. The tomatoes add a burst of freshness, and the basil complements the garlic and butter perfectly.

9. Coconut Cream Chicken:

• Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and add a teaspoon of curry powder for a creamy, mildly spiced variation with a hint of tropical flavor.

10. Dijon Mustard Chicken:

• Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a tangy, sharp flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream and butter.

11. Spinach and Artichoke Chicken:

• Add a cup of fresh spinach and a can of artichoke hearts (drained and chopped) to the sauce. The spinach wilts into the sauce, and the artichokes add a delightful tang.

12. Lemon Herb Chicken:

• Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the sauce and add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon. The lemon adds brightness, and the herbs add aromatic depth.

13. Smoky Paprika Chicken:

• Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the flour mixture for dredging the chicken. This adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the creamy garlic sauce.

14. Blue Cheese Chicken:

• Stir in a quarter cup of crumbled blue cheese into the sauce at the end. The blue cheese adds a bold, tangy flavor that pairs well with the garlic and cream.

15. Caprese Chicken:

• Top the cooked chicken with slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, then drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving. This adds a fresh, Italian-inspired twist.

16. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken:

• Wrap each chicken breast with bacon before cooking. The bacon adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the dish.

17. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Chicken:

• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to the sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor, while the basil adds freshness.

18. Avocado Cream Chicken:

• Blend avocado with the cream before adding it to the sauce for a rich, creamy texture and a subtle, buttery flavor.

19. Garlic and Herb Boursin Chicken:

• Replace the Parmesan cheese with a garlic and herb Boursin cheese for an extra creamy and flavorful sauce.

20. Roasted Red Pepper Chicken:

• Blend roasted red peppers into the cream for a vibrant, sweet, and smoky sauce.

Experiment with these variations to find your favorite version of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken. Each twist adds a unique flavor and texture, making this classic dish even more versatile and delicious.

FAQs:

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

• Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and add extra juiciness.

2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

• You can, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a thicker consistency, you can add a little cornstarch slurry.

3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

• Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

• Yes, adding vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms can enhance the dish.

5. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

• Let it simmer a bit longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water) to the sauce.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes, you can make it ahead and reheat it gently on the stovetop. The flavors will meld together beautifully.

7. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

• Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good substitutes with a similar texture and flavor.

8. How can I add more flavor to the chicken?

• Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking.

9. Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?

• Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

10. What can I do if the garlic flavor is too strong?

• Reduce the amount of garlic or use roasted garlic for a milder flavor.

Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken. This versatile and satisfying dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special family meal. Experiment with the variations and make it your own, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides for a complete culinary experience.

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