This Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect combination of juicy chicken and rich, garlicky butter sauce that melts in your mouth! It’s simple, quick to prepare, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish that’ll impress your guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken
- Rich & Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce is decadent, flavorful, and complements the chicken perfectly.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Juicy Chicken: Searing the chicken first ensures it stays moist and tender.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like butter, garlic, and herbs.
- Versatile: Serve with pasta, potatoes, veggies, or salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried thyme, oregano, and basil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. - Heat the Pan:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until the butter melts and starts to foam. - Sear the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Keep the pan on the heat for the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. - Add the Broth (or Wine):
Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. - Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the lemon juice (if using) and season the sauce with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Return the Chicken to the Pan:
Add the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. - Simmer:
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to soak up all the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving. - Serve:
Serve the garlic butter chicken with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- Use Chicken Thighs: This recipe works great with boneless chicken thighs, which are juicier and even more flavorful.
- Make It Creamy: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce after adding the broth.
- Extra Garlicky: If you’re a garlic lover, add more minced garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure any chicken broth or seasonings you use are certified gluten-free.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a little extra broth or butter to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken works well but may take longer to cook. Just adjust the cooking time until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil add a wonderful flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs in place of the dried.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free butter substitute, such as plant-based butter, for a dairy-free version.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Tips and Notes
- My Tip: If using chicken breasts, make sure to pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Pro Trick: After removing the chicken from the skillet, cover it with foil while you prepare the sauce to keep it warm and juicy.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Variations
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp and reduce the cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side.
- Herb Garlic Butter Chicken: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: Increase the amount of lemon juice and zest to make this dish brighter and more citrusy.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Toss the garlic butter chicken and sauce with cooked pasta for a rich, comforting meal.
