Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Delight

Succulent garlic butter chicken promises a mouthwatering culinary adventure that will spark your dinner excitement.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle in a rich, aromatic sauce that melts with incredible smoothness.

Fragrant herbs dance alongside golden butter, creating layers of complex flavor profiles.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can craft something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Weeknight meals transform from mundane to magnificent with this quick and elegant recipe.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory notes that comfort and delight.

You won’t believe how easily restaurant-quality magic emerges from your own kitchen.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible dish that makes every dinner feel special.

Garlic Butter Chicken Benefits

  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-pan wonder that transforms ground beef into a mouthwatering meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
  • Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy pasta that brings smiles to the entire family, making dinnertime a delightful experience everyone will love.
  • Quick and Satisfying Meal: Packed with protein and rich flavors, this skillet recipe comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy households craving a hearty dinner.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable recipe that welcomes extra vegetables or different cheese variations, ensuring it never gets boring and suits different taste preferences.

Ingredients For Garlic Butter Chicken

For the Chicken:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that forms the main star of this dish, absorbing all the delicious garlic butter flavors.
For the Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out the natural taste of the chicken.
  • Paprika, Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs and spices that add depth and complexity to the chicken's seasoning.
For the Cooking and Sauce Components:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a healthy fat for cooking and helps prevent sticking.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base for the garlic sauce and adds luxurious flavor.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that infuses the sauce with a classic, intense taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.
  • Chicken Broth or White Wine: Helps deglaze the pan and creates a flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, citrusy acidity that balances the richness of the butter.
For the Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Provide a fresh, zesty finish and visual appeal to the final dish.

How To Cook Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Rub chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary for even, deep flavor.

Step 2: Sear to Golden

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

Melt butter in the skillet. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden. Add red pepper flakes, then deglaze with chicken broth and optional white wine. Finish with fresh lemon juice.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over it, and simmer 2 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy hot with bubbling sauce.

Helpful Tips For Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Enhance flavor by letting chicken marinate in seasoning blend for 30 minutes before cooking to deepen taste profile.
  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and even cooking, ensuring tender meat without excess fat.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on spice preference, reducing for mild taste or increasing for extra heat.
  • Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary instead of dried for more vibrant, authentic flavor in the garlic butter sauce.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.

Flavor Twists For Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Herb-Crusted Rendition: Coat chicken with a mixture of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and marjoram before searing for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add minced jalapeños to the garlic butter sauce and sprinkle cayenne pepper on the chicken for a fiery southwestern-style meal.
  • Asian-Inspired Fusion: Replace thyme and rosemary with ginger and five-spice powder, and swap white wine with soy sauce for a tangy east Asian flavor profile.
  • Creamy Mushroom Transformation: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic and add a splash of heavy cream to create a rich, velvety sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.

Ideal Pairings For Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Arrange golden-brown chicken on a warm ceramic plate. Drizzle the vibrant garlic butter sauce generously over the chicken. Place bright lemon wedges on the side and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Add roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus for a complete meal.
  • Slice chicken against the grain and fan out elegantly on a white rectangular platter. Pour garlic butter sauce in an artistic drizzle. Garnish with microgreens and delicate lemon zest. Serve with a crisp white wine to complement the herb-infused flavors.

Storage Advice For Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Transfer leftover garlic butter chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Wrap individual portions of cooled chicken in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, use the microwave with a damp paper towel covering the chicken to retain moisture.

FAQs

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They cook evenly and absorb the garlic butter sauce perfectly.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

  • How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and use a hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan, which helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Print
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Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory garlic butter chicken delights palates with its rich, aromatic profile. Crispy golden skin and tender meat promise a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) or thighs
  • 4 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Blend salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary to create a robust seasoning mix for the chicken pieces.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then carefully place seasoned chicken into the pan.
  3. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, ensuring a golden-brown exterior and completely cooked interior. Transfer to a separate plate.
  4. Reduce heat and melt butter in the same skillet, immediately introducing minced garlic and stirring until aromatic.
  5. Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the butter mixture, then deglaze the pan with chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any caramelized bits.
  6. Splash fresh lemon juice into the developing sauce, creating a vibrant and tangy profile.
  7. Gently return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece generously with the garlic butter sauce and allowing flavors to meld for 2 additional minutes.
  8. Finish the dish by scattering chopped fresh parsley across the top and serving with bright lemon wedges for an extra citrus punch.

Notes

  • Try different herbs like oregano or basil to create unique flavor profiles that complement the chicken’s natural taste.
  • For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, swap butter with ghee and use bone-in chicken thighs for extra richness and moisture.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe cooking while maintaining juicy, tender meat.
  • Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance absorption of seasonings and create deeper, more complex flavors.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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