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Kid-Approved Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: Easy 20-Minute Dinner

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This creamy garlic butter chicken is a quick and easy 20-minute dinner that’s kid-approved and perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and a one-pan method, it delivers rich, comforting flavor without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let them sit at room temperature while you prepare the pan.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and sizzle until it stops foaming.
  3. Carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the pan bottom. Let simmer for about 1 minute until slightly reduced.
  6. Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese a little at a time until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the tops. Let simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and sauce has thickened.
  8. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.

Notes

For best results, don’t overcrowd the pan—cook chicken in batches if needed. Avoid burning the garlic; once fragrant, add broth immediately. Let the chicken rest in the sauce for 2 minutes before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic butter chicken, easy chicken dinner, 20-minute meal, kid-friendly, one-pan chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/kid-approved-creamy-garlic-butter-chicken-easy-20-minute-dinner/