Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

If you're craving a dish that's both simple and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. The rich combination of butter, garlic, and perfectly seared chicken creates a savory meal that is comforting yet elegant. With a few pantry staples, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious, buttery chicken!

What Is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish where juicy, seared chicken breasts (or thighs) are bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The sauce is typically made with butter, garlic, and a few seasonings to enhance the flavors. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal ingredients and effort. This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, like mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile and beloved dinner option.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken recipe:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a touch of brightness)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, and here are some substitutions and variations you can make:

• Chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Creamy sauce: For a richer sauce, add ¼ cup of heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half toward the end of cooking.
• Wine substitution: If you don’t want to use white wine, simply replace it with extra chicken broth for the same liquid quantity.
• Spicy version: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this delightful Garlic Butter Chicken? Follow these easy steps to create a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). Let the seasoned chicken rest while you prepare the pan.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of your chicken, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium and add the 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Let it melt and bubble slightly, but don’t let it burn.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
3. Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and lemon juice (if using). Scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (this adds flavor to the sauce).
4. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the chicken.
2. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it is fully coated and warmed through.
3. If you’re using parsley, sprinkle it over the chicken just before serving for a fresh finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like Garlic Butter Chicken, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it comes out perfectly every time:

• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can become dry if overcooked. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, especially when cooking in butter. Be sure to cook it just until it’s fragrant and slightly golden, about 30 seconds to a minute.
• Not scraping the pan: After searing the chicken, don’t forget to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet when you add the broth or wine. These bits add tons of flavor to the sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that you’ve made your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken, here are a few ways to serve and present it beautifully:

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

• Serve the chicken directly from the skillet, spooning extra garlic butter sauce over each piece.
• Pair it with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or buttered pasta to complement the richness of the chicken.
• For a light meal, serve the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or a simple salad.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Garnish the dish with chopped parsley or thin lemon slices for a fresh, vibrant look.
• Serve the chicken on a large, rustic platter with extra sauce on the side for family-style serving.
• Use a shallow bowl to plate the chicken over mashed potatoes or rice, letting the sauce pool around the dish for a comforting presentation.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Tips

To ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken turns out perfect every time, keep these extra tips in mind:

• Use quality butter: Since butter is a star ingredient in this recipe, using a high-quality unsalted butter can really enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Fresh garlic is key: Avoid using pre-minced garlic in a jar, as fresh garlic provides a much better flavor.
• Adjust the sauce: If you find your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Q: Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out.

Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like olive oil or a dairy-free butter spread. The flavor may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Q: What sides go well with Garlic Butter Chicken?
A: Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, pasta, or a crisp green salad.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make yet rich in flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, golden garlic, and buttery sauce makes it a dish you’ll want to return to again and again. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a busy weeknight or hosting a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out tonight and enjoy the buttery, garlicky goodness!

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