Garlic butter chicken

Last Tuesday night, I found myself staring into the fridge at 5:30 PM with zero dinner plans. My 15-year-old had dance practice in an hour, and my 19-year-old was bringing friends home. Mateo was working late at the restaurant, so I needed something quick yet impressive.

That’s when I grabbed chicken breasts, butter, and garlic – the holy trinity of weeknight cooking. Within 25 minutes, I had the most incredible garlic butter chicken on the table, and the girls’ friends asked for the recipe before they’d even finished eating. This dish has since become my go-to when life gets hectic, which, let’s be honest, is most days.

There’s something magical about how simple ingredients transform into restaurant-quality flavor. The golden, buttery sauce with aromatic garlic creates a dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. However, this garlic butter chicken is deceptively easy.

Moreover, it uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. My family requests this recipe at least twice a week now, and I never tire of making it.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

This garlic butter chicken delivers restaurant-quality results without the hefty price tag or complicated techniques. First, it comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Additionally, you need just one skillet, which means minimal cleanup afterward. Furthermore, the ingredient list is refreshingly short – no hunting down exotic spices or specialty items.

The flavor profile is absolutely divine. Rich, savory butter melds with fragrant garlic to create a sauce that coats each tender chicken piece perfectly. Meanwhile, the chicken stays incredibly juicy using a simple technique I’ll share below. Consequently, even chicken breast – often dry and boring – becomes succulent and flavorful.

My husband Mateo, who’s cooked in professional kitchens for over 30 years, actually prefers my version of garlic butter chicken to the fancier preparations he makes at work. He says the simplicity lets the core flavors shine through. Also, this recipe works beautifully for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. I’ve served it to dinner guests countless times, and they’re always shocked when I reveal how easy it is.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this garlic butter chicken lies in its simplicity. You’ll need just a handful of quality ingredients that work together harmoniously.

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	4 medium (about 1.5 lbs)	Pounded to even thickness
Unsalted butter	6 tablespoons	Divided
Garlic cloves	6-8 large	Minced fresh
Italian seasoning	1 teaspoon	Or herbs de Provence
Salt	1 teaspoon	Adjust to taste
Black pepper	½ teaspoon	Freshly ground
Chicken broth	½ cup	Low-sodium preferred
Fresh parsley	2 tablespoons	Chopped, for garnish
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon	Freshly squeezed

Substitutions & Variations

This garlic butter chicken recipe adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. First, swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs if you prefer darker meat. Thighs contain more fat, so they’re even more forgiving and stay moist longer. However, adjust the cooking time since thighs take slightly longer.

For a dairy-free version, use ghee or olive oil instead of butter. While the flavor changes slightly, it’s still absolutely delicious. Meanwhile, vegans can substitute firm tofu or cauliflower steaks for the chicken, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Herb variations make this dish exciting. Try fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage instead of Italian seasoning. Additionally, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. My 19-year-old loves when I add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper to her portion.

For a creamier garlic butter chicken, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese after cooking. This creates a luscious sauce perfect for spooning over pasta or rice. Furthermore, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms make excellent additions. Simply sauté them with the garlic for extra vegetables and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making perfect garlic butter chicken requires just a few simple steps. Follow along, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Then, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap.

Use a meat mallet to pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures uniform cooking throughout. Next, season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Sear the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt until foaming.

Place the chicken breasts in the skillet without crowding. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving them – this creates a beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.

Step 3: Make the garlic butter sauce. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.

Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Be careful – garlic burns quickly and turns bitter.

Step 4: Build the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor.

Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Finish and serve. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken.

Let it warm through for about 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while the garlic butter chicken is hot and the sauce is silky.

Pro Tips for Success

After making this garlic butter chicken hundreds of times, I’ve learned tricks that guarantee success every time. First, always pound your chicken to even thickness. This single step prevents dry, overcooked edges while the center stays raw. Mateo taught me this technique years ago, and it’s absolutely crucial.

Don’t skip patting the chicken dry. Moisture prevents proper browning. Therefore, dry chicken equals better sear and more flavor.

Additionally, resist the urge to move the chicken around in the pan. Let it sit undisturbed to develop that gorgeous golden crust.

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Pull the chicken at exactly 165°F. Carryover cooking will bring it up a few more degrees as it rests. Consequently, you’ll avoid dry, overcooked meat.

Fresh garlic makes all the difference in this garlic butter chicken. Jarred minced garlic simply can’t compare. However, if you must use jarred, reduce the amount slightly as it’s more potent. Furthermore, mince your garlic just before cooking for the most aromatic flavor.

Quality butter matters tremendously. I prefer European-style butter with higher fat content. It creates a richer, more luxurious sauce. Meanwhile, unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning precisely.

Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Otherwise, all those flavorful juices end up on your cutting board instead of in your mouth.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftover garlic butter chicken stores beautifully for easy meal prep. First, let the chicken cool to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking. Then, transfer it to an airtight container along with the sauce. It keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

For reheating, the stovetop method works best. Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Cover and heat gently for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the garlic butter chicken moist and prevents the sauce from separating.

Alternatively, microwave individual portions. Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish with sauce. Cover with a damp paper towel.

Heat in 30-second intervals, checking frequently. However, this method can dry out the chicken slightly.

Freezing works well too. Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture changes slightly after freezing, but it’s still delicious.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This versatile garlic butter chicken pairs wonderfully with countless side dishes. My family loves it over creamy mashed potatoes. The buttery sauce soaks into the potatoes beautifully. Similarly, egg noodles, rice, or pasta make excellent choices for soaking up every drop of that incredible sauce.

For vegetables, roasted asparagus complements the rich garlic butter chicken perfectly. Additionally, sautéed green beans, roasted broccoli, or glazed carrots add color and nutrition. My 15-year-old surprisingly loves it with a simple Caesar salad on the side.

Crusty bread is non-negotiable in our house. We use it to mop up the remaining garlic butter sauce – the best part! Furthermore, garlic bread creates a fun garlic-on-garlic experience that garlic lovers adore.

For a low-carb option, serve this garlic butter chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. The sauce flavors the vegetables beautifully. Meanwhile, a light cucumber salad provides refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.

FAQs

How do I keep garlic butter chicken from drying out?

Pound the chicken to even thickness before cooking. Use a meat thermometer and remove it at exactly 165°F. Additionally, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

These steps ensure juicy garlic butter chicken every time. Moreover, don’t overcook – that’s the number one cause of dry chicken.

Can I make garlic butter chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare garlic butter chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Cook it completely, then refrigerate with the sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth. However, for best texture and flavor, I recommend making it fresh when possible.

What’s the best way to mince garlic for this recipe?

Use a sharp knife or garlic press for freshly minced garlic. A microplane grater also works beautifully and creates a fine texture. Fresh garlic provides the best flavor for garlic butter chicken. Avoid pre-minced garlic from jars if possible.

Can I use bone-in chicken for garlic butter chicken?

Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work wonderfully. However, increase the cooking time to 25-30 minutes total.

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The skin becomes crispy and delicious in the garlic butter sauce.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Reduce heat to medium before adding garlic. Cook it for only 1 minute until fragrant. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the garlic butter chicken.

Therefore, watch it carefully and stir constantly. Adding garlic to already melted butter helps control the temperature better.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	340
Protein	38g
Fat	19g
Saturated Fat	11g
Carbohydrates	3g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	1g
Cholesterol	135mg
Sodium	680mg

This garlic butter chicken provides excellent protein while remaining relatively low in carbohydrates. The butter contributes healthy fats that help you feel satisfied. For a lighter version, reduce the butter to 4 tablespoons total.

Nevertheless, the full butter amount creates that signature rich flavor we all love. Each serving delivers substantial nutrition to fuel your family through busy days.

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