There’s nothing quite like a creamy, garlicky, buttery chicken dish to satisfy your cravings after a long day. This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Mushrooms is everything you need in a comforting, home-cooked meal. The tender, juicy chicken is seared to perfection, then bathed in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce with earthy mushrooms. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
What makes this dish truly special is its balance of simplicity and decadence. The chicken is cooked until golden brown, locking in its juices, while the sauce comes together with butter, garlic, cream, and parmesan for a luxurious texture. The mushrooms add a deep, umami flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. And if you love a little extra flavor, you can customize the dish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or even a hint of spice.
I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something hearty yet simple. It quickly became a family favorite, with everyone wiping their plates clean. Since then, it’s been on repeat in my kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this garlic butter chicken is guaranteed to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Quick and easy – Made in one pan, ready in just 35 minutes.
- Rich and creamy – The sauce is buttery, garlicky, and infused with the best flavors.
- Family-friendly – Loved by both kids and adults, making it a perfect go-to meal.
- Pairs with everything – Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
- Customizable – Add veggies, tweak the spice level, or make it lighter with substitutions.
Prep Time and Servings
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 520 kcal
Ingredients of this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for a light coating)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (baby bella or cremini work best)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Step-by-Step Instructions to make this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This step ensures a nice golden crust when searing. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning over both sides of the chicken, then lightly dust with flour. This helps create a beautiful golden sear and slightly thickens the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. The goal is to lock in the juices while creating a flavorful crust. If your chicken breasts are thick, you may need to reduce the heat slightly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and develop a deep golden color.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds extra depth to the sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes before adding the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half of the cream with milk.
Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon
To brighten up the richness, add a teaspoon of lemon juice and stir in chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the garlic butter chicken hot, spooning the creamy mushroom sauce over the top. Pair it with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions of this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
- With pasta: Toss with fettuccine or penne for a creamy, comforting meal.
- Over rice: Serve with fluffy basmati or jasmine rice to soak up the sauce.
- With crusty bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of the creamy goodness.
- Alongside roasted veggies: Pair with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature chicken – This helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
- Don’t skip the flour – It gives the chicken a light crust and helps thicken the sauce.
- Sear the chicken properly – A good sear locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer – Giving the sauce time to thicken makes it extra creamy.
- Customize with veggies – Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers make great additions.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Variations
- Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Herb Lovers’ Version: Use fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for an herby twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan.
- Extra Cheesy: Stir in shredded mozzarella for an even richer sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing Instructions
This dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and work just as well in this recipe.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then stir it into the sauce and simmer for a minute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook everything as instructed, then store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can keep it simple for a cozy weeknight meal or dress it up for a special dinner with guests. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, it’s always a hit. Plus, the creamy sauce makes it incredibly forgiving—so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll end up with a dish that tastes amazing every time.
If you love bold, comforting flavors with minimal effort, this recipe is for you. Try it out, and don’t forget to make extra sauce—you’ll want to drizzle it over everything! If you make this dish, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment, share your photos, or tag me on social media. Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Mushrooms – A Comfort Food Favorite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Mushrooms is an easy one-pan dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with mushrooms. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is packed with bold flavors and pairs well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then lightly coat with flour.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir and let thicken for 3-4 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Finish with lemon juice and fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, replace half the heavy cream with milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American