Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner—simple to make, loaded with flavor, and oh-so comforting. Juicy chicken breasts or thighs are seared to golden perfection and bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything. Whether you’re cooking for the family or a special dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is a combination of quick preparation and incredible taste. The garlic butter sauce is velvety, aromatic, and pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. It’s made with pantry staples, making it an easy go-to recipe when you’re short on time but crave something delicious. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it with almost anything!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients. Full measurements are listed below.
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Garlic cloves (lots of it!)
- Unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- Chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme and serve immediately.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear and flavor.
- Don’t rush the garlic—it should turn golden and fragrant, but not burn, to avoid bitterness.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for an ultra-creamy version.
- Toss in some spinach or mushrooms during the simmering step for added veggies.
- Swap chicken broth with white wine for a more complex, slightly tangy flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Garlic Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered noodles. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Bone-in chicken works well but will require a longer cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried parsley or thyme works as a substitute; just use about half the amount called for fresh.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken is a timeless recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this dish will leave everyone satisfied. Whip it up, savor the rich, buttery goodness, and watch it become a regular on your dinner rotation. Enjoy!
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Garlic Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something comforting yet elegant. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce.
- Combine: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over them. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg