Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, sizzling butter, and juicy chicken coming together in one pan. Garlic Butter Chicken is truly a weeknight hero—simple to prepare, bursting with rich savory flavor, and impressively quick from start to finish. Each bite is a perfect balance of tender, golden chicken, silky garlic-infused sauce, and a bright finish from a squeeze of lemon. Whether you’re feeding a family or simply craving something soul-satisfying after a long day, this is the recipe that delivers wow-factor results with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll be grabbing for this easy Garlic Butter Chicken, and why each one matters:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless is best for quick, even cooking; butterflying creates thin, tender pieces that soak up flavor beautifully.
• All Purpose Flour: Used for dredging; it gives the chicken a light, golden crust and helps thicken the sauce ever so slightly.
• Chicken Stock: Lifts the pan drippings and creates a savory backnote in the sauce. Low-sodium works great for more seasoning control.
• Unsalted Butter: Absolutely essential for that creamy, rich finish. Using unsalted means you decide the saltiness.
• Garlic Cloves: The absolute heart of the dish—freshly minced for punchy, sweet-savory flavor that mellows in the butter.
• Fresh Parsley: For sparkle and freshness; parsley is classic, but other fresh herbs work too.
• Olive Oil: Stops the butter from browning too fast and helps develop a golden crust on the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Doubles down on the garlic flavor, infusing the chicken itself with more depth.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Don’t be shy—season every layer for maximum flavor.
• Lemon Wedges: Adds a bright, acidic pop right before serving; optional but highly recommended.

Tip: Always use fresh herbs when possible. Dried just don’t get a chance to bloom in this quick sauce!

Variations

Sometimes, you want to switch it up or tailor the dish to what you have. Here are a few easy modifications:

• Herb Swap: Fresh thyme or rosemary are wonderful if you want a deeper, earthier note—just use sparingly.
• Protein Options: Try boneless pork chops, turkey cutlets, or even firm tofu for something different.
• Add Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika in the dredge gives a subtle kick.
• Creamy Finish: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or swirl in a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer, totally decadent sauce.
• Gluten Free: Substitute all purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch for dredging.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Let’s break down just how hands-off this impressive meal is:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Butterfly each chicken breast through the center so you have four thinner pieces. This is key for even cooking and super-tender results.

Step 2: Season and Dredge

In a shallow dish, mix your flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken until well coated—press gently so the flour sticks. Shake off the excess.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and just one tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium-high. Once hot, add the chicken and sear both sides until golden and cooked through—about 3–5 minutes per side. Don’t move them around too much! Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add your minced garlic and stir for about a minute, just until it begins to color—careful not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken stock and scrape up all that pan goodness. Add the remaining butter, whisking quickly as it melts. Watch it turn slightly creamy and luscious.

Step 5: Bring It Together

Once the sauce starts to thicken, sprinkle in parsley and adjust seasoning to taste. Slide the chicken back in, spooning that buttery sauce generously over each piece.

Step 6: Serve!

Dish up with any remaining sauce spooned on top and finish with a squeeze of lemon to really lift the flavors.

How to Serve

Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate “anything goes” main dish! It shines with so many sides:

• Classic pairing: White rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a hunk of crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
• Lighter option: Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies (think asparagus or green beans), or steamed broccoli.
• Cozy comfort: Add it over buttered noodles or creamy polenta for a hug-in-a-bowl experience.

Drizzle extra sauce over everything and don’t skip that squeeze of lemon on each plate before serving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the chicken and any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Place cooled chicken (with sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To preserve the sauce texture, gently reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to loosen if needed. Microwave works too—just cover the chicken and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Give this Garlic Butter Chicken a place in your weeknight rotation—you’ll be blown away by how such simple ingredients turn into an undeniably craveable meal. It’s a warm, buttery hug for your tastebuds and proof that a fast dinner can still taste luxurious. Whether you stick to the classic or play with variations, you’ll find yourself coming back to this dish again and again. Gather your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and enjoy every garlicky, buttery bite!

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