Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds with its savory and buttery goodness. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• Rich and creamy garlic butter sauce adds a luxurious flavor.
• Versatile enough to serve with various side dishes like rice, pasta, or vegetables.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests.
• Quick and easy to prepare, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Chicken broth
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: Toss in vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or green beans during the last few minutes of cooking to make it a complete meal.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Cheesy version: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Herb substitutions: If you don’t have parsley, you can use fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil instead.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or water to keep the sauce from drying out. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. They may require a little longer cooking time, but they will remain juicy and flavorful.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative, like vegan butter or olive oil.

Can I freeze garlic butter chicken?

Yes, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What sides go well with garlic butter chicken?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor, but you can use pre-minced garlic in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of pre-minced garlic for every clove of fresh garlic.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Remove it from the heat once it reaches 165°F.

Can I add cream to the sauce?

Yes, you can add a splash of heavy cream to make the sauce even richer and creamier.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, you can grill the chicken instead of cooking it in the skillet. Just prepare the sauce separately and pour it over the grilled chicken.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce it, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons of water) to thicken it.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich garlic butter sauce and tender chicken. With easy preparation and plenty of variations, this dish can be customized to suit your tastes. Enjoy!

Print