---

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Dinner

Overview

This creamy garlic butter chicken is rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something indulgent but still easy to pull off, this dish features tender slices of seasoned chicken breast simmered in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce with a touch of lemon to balance the richness. It’s a restaurant-style dish you can master at home in under 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

Chicken & Seasoning

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1–1.5 lbs total), sliced into strips or cutlets

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Optional: pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning for added flavor

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced finely or crushed

• ½ cup heavy cream (or double cream)

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (or more to taste)

• Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese for added depth

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

For Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh chopped parsley

• Lemon zest

• Grated Parmesan

---

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

---

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice the chicken into evenly sized pieces—cutlets or strips work well for quick and even cooking.

2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and optionally a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning for an herby twist.

   • Tip: Let it sit for 5–10 minutes while prepping the rest. This allows the seasoning to slightly penetrate and the meat to relax.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

1. In a large skillet (preferably non-stick or stainless steel), melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.

2. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the minced garlic.

3. Sauté for about 30–60 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden—not brown, as burnt garlic tastes bitter.

---

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Add the seasoned chicken slices to the skillet in a single layer.

2. Sear the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).

   • Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

   • Tip: Let the chicken develop a crust before flipping. This enhances flavor and texture.

---

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

1. Once the chicken is cooked, reduce heat to medium-low.

2. Add the ½ cup of heavy cream directly into the pan with the chicken.

3. Stir gently to deglaze the pan and incorporate the cream with any fond (brown bits).

4. Add the lemon juice and stir until the sauce begins to gently bubble and thicken, about 5 minutes.

5. Optional: Stir in 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for more body and flavor, and/or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

---

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Taste and adjust the seasoning—add a splash more lemon if needed for brightness, or salt to balance the richness.

2. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest right before serving.

3. Optional: a final sprinkle of Parmesan on top for that irresistible finishing touch.

---

️ Serving Suggestions

This dish is super versatile and pairs beautifully with:

• Buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta

• Steamed rice or wild rice pilaf

• Buttered noodles or al dente pasta (fettuccine or linguine are excellent)

• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts

• Crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that sauce

---

Chef’s Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcook the chicken – pull it off the heat as soon as it’s done. Overcooked chicken turns rubbery and dry.

• Heavy cream vs alternatives: For a slightly lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half, though it won’t be quite as rich. Full-fat coconut milk is a good dairy-free alternative.

• Lemon juice balance: Add lemon juice gradually—it brightens the sauce but can overpower if too much is used.

• Make it a one-pan meal: Toss in a few handfuls of baby spinach or cherry tomatoes at the end for extra color and nutrition.

---

Pairing Suggestions

Drinks:

• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

• Sparkling water with a lemon wedge

• A light, citrus-forward cocktail like a lemon spritz

---

Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Warm gently over medium-low heat in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

• Microwave in short bursts (30 seconds), stirring in between.

---

Why You’ll Love It

• Rich and satisfying with minimal ingredients

• Quick enough for busy weeknights

• Impressive enough for dinner guests

• Adaptable to low-carb or gluten-free diets

• That garlic butter cream sauce is the real MVP

---

Printable Recipe Card (Summary)

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Dinner
30 minutes | ️ Serves: 2-3
Ingredients: Chicken breasts, garlic, butter, cream, lemon juice, salt, pepper
Instructions: Sauté garlic in butter → Cook chicken until golden → Add cream & lemon → Simmer → Serve with garnish.