How do I make the chicken tender and juicy in a creamy garlic butter chicken skillet?

To keep chicken tender and juicy, start by pounding the breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Sear the chicken on medium-high heat in butter to develop a golden crust without overcooking. Cook the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Adding the creamy garlic butter sauce after searing helps lock in moisture and adds flavor, preventing the meat from drying out.

What type of garlic is best for making garlic butter chicken?

Fresh garlic cloves are best for garlic butter chicken because they provide a robust, aromatic flavor. Mince or finely chop the garlic so it infuses evenly into the butter sauce. Avoid using pre-minced or powdered garlic, as they can lack freshness and depth, which might affect the sauce's richness.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this skillet recipe?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a moister, more flavorful dish. Thighs have more fat and remain juicy during cooking. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs usually take longer to reach a safe internal temperature. Sear until golden, then simmer in the creamy garlic butter sauce to finish cooking evenly.

How do I prevent the garlic butter sauce from separating when cooking?

To prevent separation, avoid cooking the sauce over very high heat. Melt the butter gently and sauté the garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, to avoid burning. When adding cream or milk, keep the heat moderate and stir constantly until the sauce thickens. Adding a small amount of flour or cornstarch can help stabilize the sauce and maintain a smooth texture.

What sides pair well with creamy garlic butter chicken skillet?

This rich chicken dish pairs well with simple, light sides to balance the flavors. Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Rice or buttered noodles also complement the creamy sauce and help soak up any extra flavor on the plate.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe For Quick Dinner

Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 4 thin-cut boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 regular breasts cut in half); – 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; – 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese; – 1 teaspoon garlic powder; – 1 teaspoon salt; – ½ teaspoon black pepper; – ¼ cup olive oil; – 2 tablespoons butter; – 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped; – 1 head garlic, peeled with clove ends cut off; – 1 ¼ cups chicken broth; – 1 cup heavy cream; – ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; – Salt and pepper to taste; – 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Description

🍗 This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner packed with rich flavors and tender chicken.
🧄 The creamy garlic sauce enhances the dish, making it an easy crowd-pleaser that elevates any weeknight meal.

Ingredients

– 4 thin-cut boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 regular breasts cut in half)

– 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

– 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon salt

– ½ teaspoon black pepper

– ¼ cup olive oil

– 2 tablespoons butter

– 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped

– 1 head garlic, peeled with clove ends cut off

– 1 ¼ cups chicken broth

– 1 cup heavy cream

– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1-Start by mixing your dry ingredients: Combine 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a shallow bowl. Coat your 4 thin-cut boneless skinless chicken breasts in this mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid a heavy coating.

2-Heat ¼ cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until it’s golden and fully cooked. Once done, set the chicken aside but keep those flavorful pan drippings for the sauce that’s where the magic happens!

3-Next, toss in 1 small yellow onion, chopped, and cook until it’s translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add 1 head of garlic, with cloves peeled and ends cut off, and sauté until soft and fragrant. To deglaze, pour in a bit of the 1 ¼ cups chicken broth, scraping up those browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

4-Then, add the remaining chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, then stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, return the chicken to the skillet, and cook for another 2 minutes, spooning sauce over the top. Finally, garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and serve it up hot.

Notes

🧄 Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
🥘 Let the sauce thicken properly to get a rich, creamy texture.
🌿 Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast

Keywords: Garlic butter chicken, Creamy chicken skillet, Quick chicken dinner, Garlic Parmesan chicken