Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Indulge in this mouthwatering garlic butter chicken recipe that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinarily delicious meal in under 30 minutes. This restaurant-quality dish combines the rich flavors of butter, garlic, and herbs for a savory dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for special occasions.
✔ Ingredients :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
✔ Directions :
1. Prepare the chicken :
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the chicken :
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through (internal temperature of about 155°F). Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce :
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic). Stir in thyme and rosemary.
4. Finish the sauce :
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Return chicken to pan :
Place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through.
6. Garnish and serve :
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the chicken. Serve hot, spooning extra garlic butter sauce over each chicken breast.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Calories: Approximately 425 kcal per serving
✔ Frequently Asked Questions :
1- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicier than breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
2- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The most reliable way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part – properly cooked chicken should be completely white with no pink areas.
3- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter chicken up to two days ahead. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce if needed. Be careful not to overcook the chicken during reheating.
4- What can I serve with garlic butter chicken?
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with many sides. Try serving it with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
5- How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a good quality dairy-free butter alternative. Olive oil can also work, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. For best results, use a plant-based butter that’s designed for cooking.
✔ Tools You’ll Need :
- Large skillet or frying pan (preferably with high sides)
- Meat tenderizer or rolling pin (if pounding chicken)
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tongs for flipping chicken
- Paper towels
- Aluminum foil
✔ Tips for sucess :
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of minced garlic, olive oil, and herbs for 1-4 hours before cooking.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown sear.
- After cooking garlic, watch it carefully as it can burn quickly and turn bitter.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce.
- Fresh herbs make a significant difference in flavor, but dried herbs work well in a pinch.
- Garnish with lemon slices for an extra pop of color and flavor.
✔ Allergy Information :
- Contains: Dairy (butter)
- May contain traces of gluten if store-bought chicken broth is used (check labels)
- Free from: Nuts, eggs, shellfish, fish, soy (check individual ingredients for cross-contamination)
- For dairy allergies: Substitute butter with dairy-free alternatives
- For gluten sensitivities: Ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free
✔ A Final Invitation :
This garlic butter chicken recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings restaurant-quality dining right to your kitchen table. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and rich buttery sauce creates an irresistible dish that will have your family requesting it again and again. Don’t be surprised if the incredible aroma filling your home brings everyone to the kitchen before dinner is even announced!
I encourage you to make this recipe your own—perhaps add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of cream for extra richness. Whatever your preference, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Share your cooking adventures, adjustments, and family reactions! There’s something special about sharing good food with those we care about, and this garlic butter chicken recipe is just waiting to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.
