Garlic Butter Chicken

Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce that melts in your mouth with every bite. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with this irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken recipe. The combination of perfectly seared chicken and the intoxicating aroma of garlic-infused butter creates a restaurant-quality dish right in your home kitchen. This crowd-pleasing recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. You’ll learn how to create the perfect garlic butter sauce, achieve perfectly cooked chicken, and bring it all together for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Butter Chicken is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner for so many reasons. First, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort—the entire dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

The contrast of textures is truly what makes this dish exceptional. The outside of the chicken develops a beautiful golden crust while the inside remains incredibly juicy and tender. When the warm, velvety garlic butter sauce blankets the chicken, it creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.

What makes this buttery garlic chicken special is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with nearly any side dish—from mashed potatoes to steamed vegetables or a simple salad. The sauce is so good you’ll want to drizzle it over everything on your plate. Plus, it’s impressive enough for company but simple enough for everyday meals, giving you a recipe that works for any occasion.

Ingredients

For this delectable Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium breasts)
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 8 cloves garlic, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking

The key to this recipe’s incredible flavor is using fresh garlic rather than pre-minced. Fresh garlic provides a more robust, aromatic quality that truly defines this garlic chicken dish. Similarly, using high-quality butter makes a noticeable difference in creating that silky, rich sauce that coats each piece of chicken perfectly.

Pro Tips

Pounding the Chicken: For the most tender garlic butter chicken, pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½-inch. This ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy throughout. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with the flat side of a meat mallet or a heavy rolling pin. This simple step makes a tremendous difference in the final texture of your chicken.

Perfect Garlic Cooking Technique: The key to amazing garlic flavor without bitterness is cooking it properly. Add your minced garlic to the butter when it’s melted but not smoking hot, and cook it just until fragrant (about 30-60 seconds) before proceeding with the recipe. This develops the sweet, aromatic qualities of garlic without burning it, which would make your sauce bitter.

Creating a Restaurant-Quality Sauce: For that luxurious, silky sauce that makes Garlic Butter Chicken so memorable, use cold butter at the end of cooking. After your sauce has reduced slightly, remove the pan from heat and swirl in a tablespoon of cold butter. This technique, called “mounting with butter,” creates an emulsified, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken rather than separating.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If the chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness of about ½-inch as mentioned in the pro tips. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and remain tender throughout.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust on the bottom. Flip them over and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits are flavor gold!), reduce the heat to medium-low and add 3 tablespoons of the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to combine.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it reduce for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Remove the pan from heat and swirl in the remaining tablespoon of cold butter until it’s fully incorporated into a smooth, silky sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning the sauce over them. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and let the chicken sit in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken immediately, making sure to drizzle plenty of that heavenly sauce over each portion.

Variations

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: Transform this dish by adding ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce after it has reduced. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened for a richer, more indulgent version that’s perfect for pouring over pasta or rice. This creamy garlic chicken variation adds a luxurious element that makes it feel even more special.

Herb-Infused Version: Elevate your Garlic Butter Chicken by adding fresh herbs. In addition to parsley, try adding 1 tablespoon each of fresh thyme and rosemary when you add the garlic to the butter. The aromatic herbs infuse the butter with incredible flavor that complements the garlic beautifully. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving for a bright, fresh element.

Lemon Garlic Chicken: For a brighter, more citrus-forward version, double the lemon juice and add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the sauce. This variation is particularly wonderful in spring and summer when you want something a bit lighter but still packed with flavor. The additional acidity balances the richness of the butter perfectly.

Storage and Serving

Storage: This Garlic Butter Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce. Cover and warm gently until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken tough.

Freezing: While you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, the butter sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions: This versatile chicken dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the incredible sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For an elegant presentation, slice the chicken and fan it over the plate, then drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with a lemon wedge and fresh herbs.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even juicier meat. Adjust the cooking time to about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How can I tell when my chicken is done?
The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C). Without a thermometer, cut into the thickest part—the meat should be opaque and white throughout, with no pink remaining.

My sauce separated—how can I fix it?
If your sauce breaks or looks oily, remove it from heat immediately and whisk in 1-2 teaspoons of cold water or chicken broth until it comes back together. The most common cause is too much heat, so always finish your sauce over low heat.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a good-quality dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to mince garlic for this recipe?
For the best flavor in your Garlic Butter Chicken, press whole garlic cloves through a garlic press or finely mince with a sharp knife. Pre-minced garlic from a jar doesn’t provide the same aromatic quality that makes this dish special.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken is comfort food at its finest—tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a rich, aromatic sauce that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special, yet it’s simple enough to prepare even when you’re short on time. The combination of golden-seared chicken and that velvety garlic butter sauce creates a meal that feels indulgent while being surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Make this Garlic Butter Chicken once, and I guarantee it will become a regular in your dinner rotation!

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