Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: Divine 25 Min Dinner

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken has become my absolute go-to for a quick and incredibly satisfying meal. I remember the first time I tried making it, I was honestly a little intimidated by the idea of a rich, restaurant-quality sauce at home. But this version? It’s surprisingly simple! The aroma of garlic and butter simmering together is pure comfort, and the tender chicken bathed in that luscious sauce is simply divine. This easy creamy garlic butter chicken recipe is so fuss-free, it makes you wonder, “what is creamy garlic butter chicken” that’s this good and this fast? It’s the perfect weeknight wonder. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons. Get ready to fall in love:

• Incredible Flavor: Experience the rich, decadent taste of perfectly cooked chicken bathed in a luxurious garlic butter cream sauce.
• Lightning Fast Prep: With a total time of just 25 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
• Surprisingly Healthy: While rich, this creamy garlic butter chicken can be adapted for healthier eating by choosing leaner chicken and incorporating plenty of vegetables.
• Budget-Friendly Magic: Using common pantry staples and affordable chicken, this recipe delivers gourmet taste without breaking the bank.
• Family Approved: Even picky eaters adore this creamy garlic chicken dinner; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
• Versatile Garlic Butter Chicken Sauce: The amazing garlic butter chicken sauce is perfect for coating pasta, but also delicious over rice or veggies.
• One-Pan Wonder: Most of the magic happens in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup for you!
• Ultimate Comfort Food: This butter garlic cream chicken dish is pure comfort in a bowl, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing butter garlic cream chicken dish. It’s simpler than you think!

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta – cooked al dente and set aside.
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken fillets, diced – about 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
• 3 tbsp butter – unsalted is best for controlling saltiness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is key for that potent flavor!
• 1 cup heavy cream – this is what makes our sauce wonderfully rich and creamy.
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce.
• 1 tsp dried basil – for a classic Italian herbaceous note.
• 1 tsp dried oregano – complements the basil beautifully.
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for a gentle kick of heat.
• Salt and pepper to taste – essential for balancing all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-worthy creamy garlic butter chicken dish right in your own kitchen. This one-pan wonder comes together quickly, perfect for any night of the week!

Cooking the Pasta

First, let’s get that pasta ready. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 12 oz rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – tender but with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside. Don’t rinse it; the starch helps the sauce cling beautifully.

Searing the Chicken

Now for the star of the show! In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering and fragrant, add your 2 boneless, skinless chicken fillets, diced. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s no longer pink and has a nice golden-brown sear on the edges. This step is crucial for developing flavor.

Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, add 4 cloves garlic, minced, to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Now, pour in 1 cup heavy cream, followed by 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This is how to make creamy garlic butter chicken truly decadent. For more information on the benefits of garlic, check out this guide to alliums.

Combining and Finishing

It’s time to bring it all together! Add the reserved cooked rigatoni pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy garlic butter sauce and chicken. Toss everything gently until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in that luscious sauce. Season your creation with salt and pepper to taste. For a final flourish, garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. You’ve just mastered how to make creamy garlic butter chicken!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Want to elevate your creamy garlic butter chicken game? These simple tricks will ensure your dish is absolutely perfect every time.

• Use fresh garlic: Bottled minced garlic just doesn’t have the same punch. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor for that essential garlic butter chicken sauce.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken can go from perfectly cooked to dry in minutes. Sear it quickly and remove it from the pan while you build the sauce.
• Grate your own Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother for a silkier finish.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Always taste your sauce before serving. A little more salt, pepper, or even red pepper flakes can make a big difference in achieving that rich garlic butter chicken flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy garlic butter chicken?

The secret to a truly perfect, rich garlic butter chicken is building layers of flavor. Sautéing the garlic until fragrant before adding the cream and using freshly grated Parmesan cheese are key steps for that restaurant-quality taste.

Can I make creamy garlic butter chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare some components ahead, like dicing the chicken and mincing the garlic. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s ideal to cook the pasta and assemble the sauce just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy and the sauce from separating.

How do I avoid common mistakes with creamy garlic butter chicken?

A common mistake is overcooking the chicken, which makes it tough. Another is burning the garlic; sauté it gently for just about a minute. Also, be sure to cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce. For pasta recipes, consider trying spaghetti with mushroom sauce.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

This decadent Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is so versatile, it can be enjoyed in so many ways! Of course, serving it over the cooked rigatoni as the recipe suggests is a classic for a reason, creating a complete and satisfying meal. For an even more robust dish, consider pairing it with a simple side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you’re looking to add more nutrients, serving this rich garlic butter chicken alongside steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans is a fantastic option. These garlic butter chicken with vegetables pairings add color, texture, and healthy goodness to your plate! You might also enjoy a Caprese salad as a refreshing side.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken dish is a flavorful treat. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 580
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Cholesterol: 145mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your preparation of this delicious creamy garlic butter chicken.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Even though this creamy garlic butter chicken is best enjoyed fresh, knowing how to store and reheat leftovers properly is a game-changer! Once your delicious dish has cooled down completely, transfer any leftover creamy garlic butter chicken into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a great option! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes having a quick meal of leftover creamy garlic butter chicken super convenient.

When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is usually the quickest method for smaller portions. Gently warm it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For larger portions or to maintain the best texture, you can gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems a bit thick. Avoid reheating in the oven, as this can dry out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Is this a healthy creamy garlic butter chicken recipe?

While this particular dish is rich and decadent, it can be made healthier! Opt for leaner chicken cuts and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter chicken in garlic butter cream sauce. Adding plenty of vegetables like broccoli or spinach also boosts the nutritional value.

Can I make creamy garlic chicken recipe ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare some elements of this creamy garlic chicken recipe in advance. Dice the chicken and mince the garlic a day ahead. The sauce can also be made ahead and gently reheated, but it’s best to cook the pasta and combine everything just before serving to ensure the pasta stays al dente and the sauce is perfectly emulsified.

What can I serve with creamy garlic butter chicken if I don’t want pasta?

There are many delicious alternatives! This creamy garlic butter chicken is fantastic served over fluffy rice, quinoa, or even roasted potatoes. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce, or a fresh garden salad for a lighter meal.

What makes the garlic butter chicken sauce so creamy?

The creaminess comes from a combination of heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. When simmered gently, the cream reduces and thickens, while the Parmesan melts in, creating a luxurious, emulsified sauce that coats everything beautifully. It’s the heart of any good creamy garlic butter chicken dish.

Variations of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you’ll love experimenting with this creamy garlic butter chicken! Here are a few ideas to shake things up:

• One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies: Simplify cleanup even further by adding your favorite vegetables directly to the skillet. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, and mushrooms cook beautifully alongside the chicken and sauce. This makes for a complete one-pan creamy garlic butter chicken meal!
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic for a fiery twist on this butter garlic cream chicken dish.
• Lemon Zest Brightness: For a lighter, brighter flavor profile, stir in the zest of half a lemon at the very end. This cuts through the richness and adds a lovely citrus note to your creamy garlic chicken dinner.
• Skillet Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach: Wilt a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce during the last minute of simmering. It adds a lovely color and a boost of nutrients to your skillet creamy garlic butter chicken.

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