Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Breast with Herb Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Breast with Herb Sauce

Introduction

Nothing says comfort food like a juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breast bathed in a creamy garlic butter sauce.

This recipe elevates the humble chicken breast into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Combining tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs, this dish is as elegant as it is simple to prepare.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting guests, this creamy garlic butter chicken is the perfect choice.

Pair it with fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll master this versatile recipe that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup chicken broth

½ cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)

1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for a zesty flavor)

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. 1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
   2. Lightly coat each chicken breast with flour, shaking off any excess. This helps achieve a golden crust.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chicken breasts to the pan.
   2. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   1. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
   2. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this adds incredible flavor to the sauce.
   3. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, and parsley. Simmer the sauce for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it well.
   2. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors. If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a zesty finish.
5. Serve and Garnish:
   1. Transfer the chicken breasts to a serving platter, pouring the remaining sauce over them.
   2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if you like, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy garlic butter chicken pairs beautifully with:

Steamed rice or risotto to soak up the sauce.

Mashed potatoes for a comforting side.

Roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.

Warm crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up the creamy goodness.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s an experience.

Its velvety sauce, perfectly cooked chicken, and aromatic herbs make it a standout dish that combines sophistication with homey comfort.

The recipe is also highly customizable—add mushrooms for an earthy twist, or use white wine instead of chicken broth for a more luxurious flavor.

Whether you’re preparing this for a weekday dinner or a special occasion, the balance of creamy, buttery, and garlicky flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Don’t forget to experiment with side dishes and garnishes to make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy every savory bite!