Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

This recipe is perfect for managing meals because it feels indulgent but is actually quite simple and focuses on whole ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets) or boneless thighs

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil

  • 3 tbsp Butter (divided)

  • 6 cloves Garlic (minced)

  • 1 cup Chicken broth (low sodium)

  • 1 cup Heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version)

  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and thyme)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

  2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

  3. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet (don’t wash it! those brown bits are flavor), add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan to release the flavorful bits. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.

  5. Create the Cream Sauce: Turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer (do not let it boil rapidly, or the cream might separate).

  6. Add Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

  7. Combine: Place the cooked chicken (and any juices from the plate) back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer together for 2 minutes to ensure everything is hot.

  8. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh chopped parsley and extra black pepper if desired.

Meal Management Tips

To keep your meals interesting and balanced, try these variations:

  • Add Greens: Stir in two handfuls of fresh spinach at Step 6 until wilted.

  • Vegetable Base: Serve this over steamed zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or roasted asparagus to keep it blood-sugar friendly.

  • The “Acid” Trick: If the sauce feels too heavy, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end to brighten the flavors.

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