Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken (One Pan) (20 Minutes)
Juicy chicken bites smothered in a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce — all made in one pan in just 5 minutes. This restaurant-quality dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. The garlic butter sauce is so good you will want to drink it straight from the pan. Pair it with rice or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that golden buttery goodness.
Method
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over high heat until the butter starts to foam.
- Season chicken cubes with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add to the hot pan in a single layer.
- Sear the chicken for 2 minutes without moving — you want golden crispy edges. Flip and cook 1 more minute.
- Push chicken to the side. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.
Juicy chicken bites smothered in a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce — all made in one pan in just 5 minutes. This restaurant-quality dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. The garlic butter sauce is so good you will want to drink it straight from the pan. Pair it with rice or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that golden buttery goodness.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 380 kcal
- Protein
- 42 g
- Carbs
- 5 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Sugar
- 1 g
- Sodium
- 520 mg
Values are estimates based on USDA FoodData Central and vary with brands and portioning.
Chef notes
Use high heat for the best sear on the chicken — do not overcrowd the pan or it will steam instead of browning. The entire secret to this recipe is letting the butter get foamy before adding the chicken. That foam means the water has evaporated and pure fat flavor remains.
Substitutions
- Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version. — Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier results — thighs are more forgiving with high heat.|Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.|Use ghee instead of butter for a lactose-free option.
Serving suggestions
Serve over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the creamy sauce.|Pair with a side of roasted broccoli or steamed asparagus.|Drizzle sauce over garlic bread for an indulgent appetizer.|Goes perfectly with a simple Caesar salad.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when cold — this is normal and will loosen up when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream to restore the sauce consistency. Microwave works too — heat for 1-2 minutes at 70% power, stirring halfway through.
Equipment
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Variations
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a Tuscan-style version.
- Use cajun seasoning instead of Italian for a spicy kick.
- Add mushrooms for an earthy, restaurant-quality upgrade.
- Make it lemon garlic butter by adding 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
Why it works
High heat creates the Maillard reaction on the chicken surface — those brown crispy bits are pure concentrated flavor called fond. When you add cream and butter to the pan, you are deglazing and capturing all that flavor into the sauce. This is exactly what restaurants do to make simple dishes taste incredible.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but you must fully thaw and pat dry first. Frozen chicken releases water which prevents browning and makes the sauce watery.
Can I make this ahead?
The chicken is best fresh, but you can prep the sauce ingredients in advance. The actual cooking takes only 5 minutes so meal prep is not necessary.
Is this keto-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is naturally low-carb at only 5g carbs per serving. Serve it over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to keep it fully keto.
Can kids eat this?
Absolutely! Most kids love the creamy buttery flavor. Reduce the garlic slightly if your kids are sensitive to strong flavors.
What if I do not have Parmesan?
Any hard Italian cheese works — Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even cream cheese for extra richness.
Tags
About the cook
Chef Sarah Mitchell
Professional chef with 12+ years of experience specializing in quick and healthy weeknight meals.
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