Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe: A Juicy Family Favorite

Mastering a delectable garlic butter chicken recipe promises to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Aromatic herbs and rich, melted butter create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Succulent chicken transforms into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike will appreciate this straightforward yet impressive meal.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to produce a mouthwatering experience that feels both comforting and elegant.

Crispy edges and tender meat guarantee a crowd-pleasing dinner that sparks conversation around the table.

Let’s unlock the secret to making this irresistible culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Why use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for seasoning?

Garlic powder provides even flavor distribution and prevents burning, unlike fresh garlic which can easily scorch during high-heat cooking.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly. They’re more forgiving, stay juicier, and absorb the garlic butter sauce wonderfully.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures the chicken is safe to eat without being dry.

• What if I don't have fresh parsley?

Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can skip it or substitute with dried herbs like dried parsley or chives for similar fresh flavor notes.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Is a Favorite

• Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: Packed with garlic and zesty seasonings, this chicken recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that bursts with rich, tangy flavors in minutes.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, the recipe requires minimal kitchen expertise and uses basic cookware, making it an accessible dish for anyone wanting to create a delicious dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients like adding parsley or adjusting spice levels allow personal touches, ensuring the recipe adapts to individual taste preferences and pantry availability.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using a single skillet for cooking and creating the sauce reduces dish washing, making this meal not just tasty but also incredibly convenient for busy households or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein for this flavorful dish.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that add depth and enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps to brown and cook the chicken evenly.
• Butter: Creates a rich, creamy sauce with a smooth texture.
• Minced Garlic: Provides a strong, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy element to balance the richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that brings a fresh, green note to the dish.

How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper all over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece gets an even coating of delicious seasonings.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the chicken is completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Magical Garlic Butter

Lower the skillet’s heat to low and add butter. Let the butter melt completely, creating a smooth base for the sauce.

Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic flavors and become wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Bring the Sauce Together

• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Pour the lemon juice into the skillet and sprinkle in the chopped parsley if desired.

Gently return the cooked chicken to the skillet, using a spoon to lavishly coat each piece with the irresistible garlic butter sauce.

Step 5: Final Simmer and Serve

Let the chicken simmer in the luxurious sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve the chicken immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is tantalizingly aromatic.

Helpful Hints for Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs to add more flavor and moisture to the dish.
• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more intense, robust taste that elevates the entire recipe.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and better sauce absorption.
• Create a gluten-free version by using ghee instead of butter and checking seasoning ingredients for potential gluten contamination.
• Lower the cooking temperature slightly if chicken tends to brown too quickly, preventing burning while ensuring even cooking.

Flavor Variations for Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Replace garlic powder with mixed dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-style dish.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Swap paprika with Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a zesty, bold flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use ghee instead of butter and skip the lemon juice to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining rich, savory taste.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil and use dairy-free margarine for those with lactose sensitivities.

Suggested Pairings for Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Arrange the golden-brown chicken on a large platter, drizzle with extra garlic butter sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley sprigs for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
• Weeknight Meal Companion: Serve over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
• Healthy Lunch Option: Slice the chicken and layer it on a crisp green salad, drizzling the warm garlic butter sauce as a zesty dressing for a light yet flavorful lunch.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Platter: Accompany the chicken with warm pita bread, cucumber salad, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-style dining experience.

Storage Guidelines for Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth.
• Separate the chicken from the sauce when storing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory garlic butter chicken brings comfort and richness to dinner tables across home kitchens. Creamy herb-infused sauce and tender chicken create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Optional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Blend aromatic spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a robust seasoning mix for the chicken breasts.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium temperature, carefully positioning the seasoned chicken and searing for approximately 6-7 minutes per side until achieving a golden exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
3. After removing chicken, lower skillet heat and gently melt butter, allowing it to transform into a silky base for the sauce.
4. Introduce minced garlic into the melted butter, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to release its intense fragrance and develop a rich flavor profile.
5. Splash fresh lemon juice into the skillet and sprinkle chopped parsley, creating a bright and herbaceous dimension to the developing sauce.
6. Carefully return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating each piece generously with the aromatic garlic butter sauce.
7. Allow the chicken to simmer within the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify before serving the dish piping hot.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika and garlic powder for a personalized flavor profile.
• Use chicken thighs as a juicier alternative to chicken breasts if you prefer more tender meat.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture.
• Switch to ghee or clarified butter for a richer taste and higher cooking temperature if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 298 kcal
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg