Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Craving a quick, satisfying dinner that’s packed with flavor? This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is the answer! Juicy, golden-brown chicken cooked in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce, finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this irresistible dish step by step.

What is “Garlic Butter Chicken”?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a savory and indulgent dish that combines tender, pan-seared chicken breasts or thighs with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. The chicken is first browned to perfection, then simmered in a garlicky sauce made with butter, fresh herbs, and sometimes lemon juice for added brightness. It’s a one-pan recipe that’s simple to make yet delivers incredible flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even special occasions. Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, and you’ve got a complete meal everyone will love.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs (about 1 lb)
• ¼ cup butter (unsalted)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or white wine, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ideas to customize this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe to suit your taste:

• Chicken Cuts: You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even chicken tenders for a faster cooking time.
• Butter Substitutes: If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter with olive oil. Alternatively, use ghee for a richer, nuttier flavor.
• Herbs: Swap out the parsley for fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme for a different herbaceous flavor. You can also add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Lemon-Garlic Twist: Add more lemon juice and zest for a tangy variation that cuts through the richness of the butter. This version pairs especially well with pasta or roasted vegetables.
• Creamy Version: For a creamy garlic butter sauce, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking. This adds richness and depth to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for a foolproof, delicious Garlic Butter Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid is slightly reduced.
5. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice (if using) and simmer for another minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes to soak up the flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the chicken.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Step 1: Season the Chicken
   Generously season your chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This will enhance the flavor and help the chicken brown beautifully.
2. Step 2: Sear the Chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides, ensuring the inside is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
   In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or white wine to lift all the flavorful bits from the bottom.
4. Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
   Add the chicken back to the skillet and let it simmer in the garlic butter sauce. This step ensures that the chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors.
5. Step 5: Garnish and Serve
   Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Make sure to drizzle some of that rich garlic butter sauce over the chicken!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: If you overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken, it will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that golden-brown crust.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so be sure to sauté it over medium heat and keep an eye on it. Burnt garlic will give the sauce a bitter taste.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The way you present your Garlic Butter Chicken can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are a few serving suggestions:

1. Family-Style: Serve the chicken directly from the skillet at the dining table for a rustic, family-style meal. Garnish with parsley and a few lemon wedges for a fresh touch.
2. Individual Plates: For a more formal presentation, plate each chicken breast individually and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Add sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Serve with a Side: Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a light side salad. The richness of the sauce is perfectly balanced by fresh, crisp greens or roasted veggies.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

• As the Main Course: Serve this dish as the main protein in your meal, accompanied by sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even pasta to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
• Over Pasta or Rice: Spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked pasta or rice for a comforting, carb-loaded meal that will fill everyone up.
• With a Side Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette provides a great contrast to the richness of the garlic butter sauce, helping to balance the flavors of the meal.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Rustic Style: Serve the chicken in the same skillet you cooked it in for a rustic, family-style meal. Add some fresh parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color.
• Elegant Plating: For an elevated presentation, plate each piece of chicken on a shallow dish with a spoonful of garlic butter sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a side of roasted vegetables.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic in jars can be convenient, but it often lacks the robust flavor of fresh cloves.
• Brown the Chicken: Don’t skip the step of browning the chicken. This adds texture and flavor to the dish. The golden crust locks in the juices, ensuring a tender, flavorful result.
• Add a Creamy Twist: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs, whether bone-in or boneless, are more forgiving when it comes to cooking time and tend to stay juicier than breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that the juices run clear.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat them gently on the stove. Be careful not to overcook the chicken when reheating.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a little extra broth or butter if needed to keep the chicken moist.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, a rich garlic butter sauce, and the option to customize it with herbs and lemon, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, pasta, or your favorite vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the deliciousness of garlic and butter in every bite!

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