If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dinner, this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a must-try! 🍗🧄 The combination of tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and aromatic herbs makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights or special family meals.
With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is both effortless and full of flavor. Whether served with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.
Equipment Needed
✔ Cutting board – For chopping ingredients.
✔ Sharp knife – To slice the chicken.
✔ Large skillet or pan – For searing and cooking the chicken.
✔ Tongs – To flip the chicken.
✔ Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient portions.
✔ Small bowl – To mix the garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) – Cut into halves to create four thinner pieces.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild heat.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – Gives a subtle smoky flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps sear the chicken.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – The base of the sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced – Adds rich, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs for extra depth.
- ½ cup chicken broth – Creates a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Balances the richness with freshness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any brown bits from the pan for extra flavor. Add Italian seasoning and lemon juice, then let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Garnish with fresh parsley, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken
✔ Pound the chicken – Ensures even cooking and tenderness.
✔ Use fresh garlic – Enhances the depth of flavor.
✔ Don’t overcook the chicken – It should reach 165°F (75°C) for perfect juiciness.
✔ Deglaze the pan – Scraping up browned bits adds more flavor to the sauce.
✔ Customize the seasoning – Add extra spices like thyme, rosemary, or cayenne pepper for a twist.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken
🍗 Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor
🧄 Rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon
⏳ Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes
🌿 Simple ingredients but restaurant-quality taste
🥗 Pairs well with pasta, rice, or veggies
The Science Behind Its Unique Flavor
The combination of butter and garlic creates a rich umami taste, while the acidity of lemon juice balances the richness. Cooking the chicken in high heat first seals in the juices, keeping it moist and flavorful.
The Magic of Garlic Butter Chicken
This dish is simple yet incredibly satisfying. The golden-brown seared chicken absorbs the buttery, garlicky sauce, making each bite melt in your mouth. Whether served for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s guaranteed to impress!
Serving Suggestions
- With pasta: Toss with buttered noodles or fettuccine.
- Over rice: Serve with jasmine rice for a hearty meal.
- With veggies: Pair with roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach.
- As a sandwich: Slice and add to a toasted bun with melted cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute olive oil or vegan butter for the regular butter.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its rich garlic butter sauce, juicy chicken, and simple ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again! 🍗✨
Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish featuring juicy, golden-brown chicken breasts smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
- 2 large boneless (skinless chicken breasts (halved to make 4 cutlets))
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced 🧄)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))
✔ Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
✔ Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C). Transfer to a plate.
✔ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
✔ Deglaze & Simmer
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
✔ Coat the Chicken
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the garlic butter sauce over it, and let cook for 1–2 minutes.
✔ Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies.
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Want it creamier? Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the sauce.
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Prefer a crispy crust? Dredge chicken in flour before cooking.
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Make it spicy! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
