Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Breast for a Quick Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add more depth to the flavor, you can deglaze the pan with a small splash of chicken broth or a dry white wine after removing the chicken but before adding the butter. This helps lift all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, adding another layer of complexity to the garlic butter sauce.

For a beautiful presentation, slice the chicken breasts on a bias before adding them back to the sauce. This not only makes the dish look more professional but also allows more of the surface area of the meat to be covered by the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if available to add a pop of color and freshness.

Variations

• Herbed Garlic Chicken: Add one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives to the sauce at the end of the cooking process for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
• Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic to introduce a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool within 2 hours of cooking.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to thin the sauce if needed.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled completely before covering it to prevent condensation.

When reheating, do so gently over low heat to avoid breaking the cream sauce. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a tablespoon of water or broth while reheating to restore the original creamy consistency.

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare the chicken in advance and store it separately from the sauce. When ready to serve, quickly reheat the sauce in a skillet, then add the chicken slices just until warmed through.

This method keeps the chicken from becoming rubbery during the reheating process and ensures the sauce maintains its smooth and velvety texture for the final meal.

Serving ideas

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a simple garden salad. The creamy sauce is also excellent when served over a bed of mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread, which helps to mop up the remaining garlic butter.

Choose a side that complements the richness of the cream sauce without overpowering the delicate flavors of the garlic and chicken.

When serving, place the sliced chicken on a plate and spoon the remaining sauce from the skillet over the top. This ensures each serving gets an equal portion of the delicious garlic cream.

If you have extra sauce in the pan, do not hesitate to drizzle it over your chosen side dish as well. This creates a cohesive and satisfying meal that highlights the flavors of the creamy garlic butter.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Breast for a Quick Dinner

Prep 5 minCook 15 minRest 5 minTotal 25 minServes 2

Ingredients

• 2 pieces chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
2. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the back of a spoon.
3. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece thoroughly with the creamy garlic butter. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

4 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

0 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

300 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.