Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

If you're on the hunt for a meal that's both delicious and easy to prepare, you're in for a treat! This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is an irresistible combination of tender chicken, rich butter, and fragrant garlic. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can make right in your kitchen, whether you're feeding a family or impressing dinner guests. Stick around to read the full recipe and tips to create the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken that’s juicy, flavorful, and packed with goodness!

this Recipe

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet delectable dish that features boneless chicken breasts or thighs sautéed in a fragrant mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs. The result is juicy, tender chicken coated in a buttery sauce that explodes with flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but still crave a rich, comforting meal. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken

To make this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (for color and slight heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Ingredients List for the Garlic Butter Sauce

The sauce is where the magic happens! The combination of butter, garlic, and herbs creates a silky, savory coating that clings to the chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 tablespoon chicken broth or white wine (optional for deglazing the pan)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some common substitutions and variations you can try:

1. Chicken Cuts: If you prefer dark meat, you can swap out chicken breasts for thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but either cut will work wonderfully.
2. Herbs: The thyme and rosemary add depth to the dish, but you can substitute them with oregano, basil, or even Italian seasoning if that's what you have on hand.
3. Butter: If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.
4. Garlic Amount: If you love garlic, don’t hesitate to add more! Alternatively, if you’re not a huge fan of strong garlic flavor, you can reduce the number of cloves used.
5. Lemon: Adding lemon juice to the sauce gives the dish a bright and fresh flavor. If you’re not a fan of citrus, feel free to skip this ingredient.
6. Heat: If you like a bit of spice, the red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. You can adjust the amount or leave them out completely if you prefer a milder dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Garlic Butter Chicken is easy and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and the dried herbs. Make sure both sides are well coated.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them now.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Add the chicken broth or white wine to the pan to deglaze it. This will lift up the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, which adds richness to the sauce.
5. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
7. Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet, garnish with additional parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

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

Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken involves just a few key steps:

1. Seasoning: Don’t skip seasoning the chicken! A well-seasoned chicken breast is the foundation of a flavorful dish. Use a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs for maximum flavor.
2. Searing: Achieve a perfect sear by ensuring your pan is hot before adding the chicken. This gives the chicken a beautiful golden-brown color and locks in the juices.
3. Sauce Creation: The garlic butter sauce is simple but essential. Be careful not to burn the garlic—low heat is crucial here to ensure the garlic becomes soft and aromatic rather than bitter.
4. Finishing Touches: Deglazing the pan with broth or wine enhances the sauce’s depth, while lemon juice balances the richness of the butter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. Always lower the heat when adding it to the butter, and stir constantly to prevent scorching.
• Skipping the Deglazing Step: Don’t skip deglazing the pan! Those browned bits stuck to the skillet are full of flavor and make the sauce even more delicious.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Garlic Butter Chicken is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich garlic butter sauce.
• Rice or Quinoa: For a lighter option, serve the chicken over fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce.
• Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the garlic butter sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken

Presentation matters! Here are some ways to elevate your Garlic Butter Chicken for guests:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even basil adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
2. Serve on a Platter: Arrange the chicken on a platter with lemon wedges and herbs scattered around for a rustic, inviting look.
3. Drizzle Extra Sauce: Don’t forget to drizzle extra garlic butter sauce over the chicken right before serving for that irresistible glossy finish.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs make all the difference in this dish. Avoid using pre-minced garlic or dried herbs if possible.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to your preference. The balance of garlic, butter, and lemon is key to this dish.
• Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts, but the cooking time will be longer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Garlic Butter Chicken is best served fresh, but you can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid drying out the chicken.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free chicken broth or wine if deglazing.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Its rich, buttery sauce combined with the aromatic garlic and juicy chicken is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different herbs and spices, so you can make it your own. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of vegetables, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy a flavorful, comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Print