If you are craving something that feels indulgent but comes together in no time, this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce made from garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon that brightens every bite. It’s a dish that transforms simple pantry staples into a plate full of rich flavor and comforting warmth. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe starts with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each bring something special to the dish. From the seasoning that adds depth to the chicken itself, to the garlic and butter that create a beautifully rich sauce, every item plays a crucial role.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, offering lean protein that cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that elevates the chicken’s flavor complexity.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: For a perfect sear, giving the chicken a golden crust and locking in moisture.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: The base of the silky garlic butter sauce that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its distinctive, aromatic punch.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce while helping it reduce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides a bright, zesty contrast that lifts the richness of the butter.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the garlic and butter flawlessly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a splash of color and fresh herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional): Perfect for an extra squeeze of citrus right before eating.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting each chicken breast dry to ensure a nice sear. Then, evenly season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This seasoning blend not only flavors the meat but also adds warmth and depth that’s vital for this recipe’s signature taste.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook without moving for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. This helps develop a golden-brown crust packed with flavor while locking in juices. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet—don’t worry about the browned bits left behind; they add incredible flavor! When the butter has melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic and golden but not burnt. This step infuses the butter with rich garlic essence that forms the heart of the sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to lift all those savory browned bits off the bottom. This combination creates a tangy, flavorful base that simmers and reduces for 2 to 3 minutes, concentrating the sauce’s flavors while mellowing the garlic’s sharpness.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the dried Italian seasoning until the sauce turns silky smooth and glossy. This final step enriches the sauce’s texture and infuses it with herbaceous, comforting notes that perfectly balance the dish.
Step 6: Return Chicken to the Skillet
Place the chicken breasts back into the sauce, turning to coat each piece generously. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken can soak up all those beautiful flavors and stay wonderfully moist when served.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley brings a burst of green color plus a subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the rich sauce beautifully. A squeeze of lemon juice from wedges adds a zingy freshness that brightens each mouthful and balances the butter and garlic harmoniously.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the delicious sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or even roasted vegetables. A light green salad or steamed asparagus offers a lovely contrast in texture and keeps the meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, try plating the chicken on a bed of garlic butter noodles or serve alongside crusty artisan bread that guests can use to mop up every last drop of sauce. Adding a scattering of toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of parmesan can also bring a delightful crunch or savory twist to the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. The chicken and sauce will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts along with the garlic butter sauce by placing them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. For best quality, use within 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the tender texture and vibrant flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can dry out the chicken, but if you do, cover the dish and heat in short intervals to keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and a bit more flavor, so they work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they are cooked through and tender.
Do I need to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the overall saltiness of the dish, but if you only have salted butter at hand, simply reduce the added salt in the seasoning step.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil, you can still achieve a rich and flavorful sauce while keeping it dairy-free.
Is it necessary to use lemon juice?
The lemon juice adds a bright, acidic note that balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce, but if you don’t have it, a splash of white wine vinegar or a touch of white wine works as a good substitute.
How do I get a crispy crust on the chicken?
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and allowing the skillet and oil to get hot before adding the chicken are key to developing that crave-worthy golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and browning.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is a true kitchen hero that combines simplicity with spectacular flavor, making it an instant favorite you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation. With juicy chicken and a buttery garlic sauce that feels both comforting and a little bit special, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any night of the week or impressing guests. I can’t wait for you to make it and savor every delicious bite!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken recipe featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with hints of lemon and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a delicious and comforting meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Cooking
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. When melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and dried Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors blend and the chicken stays moist.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired to add a bright citrus touch.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken with the seasoning blend for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute dried Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake if preferred.
