The Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe For A Dreamy Dinner

Crispy chicken breasts drizzled with garlic butter create a mouthwatering dinner sensation that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Each golden-brown piece promises incredible flavor from simple ingredients.

Weeknight meals demand something spectacular, and this recipe delivers precisely that magic.

Salt and pepper form the perfect seasoning base for succulent meat.

Melted butter infused with minced garlic adds rich, aromatic notes that complement the chicken beautifully.

Home cooks appreciate straightforward techniques that produce restaurant-quality results without complex steps.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this irresistible dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

What Makes Garlic Butter Chicken Perfect for Dinner

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: This garlic butter chicken transforms a simple protein into a restaurant-worthy meal that impresses everyone at the dinner table with minimal cooking skills required.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by using a single skillet for searing, sautéing, and finishing the chicken, which means fewer dishes and faster cleanup after enjoying your delicious meal.
• Flavor-Packed Technique: Combining golden-brown searing, aromatic garlic, rich butter, and bright lemon creates a multi-layered taste experience that elevates basic chicken into something truly special and memorable.
• Family-Friendly Dinner: Tender chicken with a savory, buttery sauce appeals to both adults and kids, making it a reliable go-to recipe that satisfies different taste preferences without complicated ingredients.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that serves as the main protein for this delicious dinner recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Chopped Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, green garnish and subtle herbal note.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden-brown sear on the chicken and prevents sticking.
• Butter: Adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture to the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the chicken and butter.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken for Dinner

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit to create the perfect cooking environment for your chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Gently dry the chicken thighs using paper towels.

Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the meat, making sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Create a Golden Sear

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the hot pan. Let them sizzle and dance for 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust that looks absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 4: Infuse with Garlic Magic

Remove the chicken from the skillet momentarily. Toss minced garlic into the same pan and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence and creating a fragrant base for your dish.

Step 5: Butter and Brightness Boost

• Chicken thighs
• Butter
• Lemon juice

Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in butter and a splash of fresh lemon juice.

Let everything mingle and cook together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge and intensify.

Step 6: Finish in the Oven

Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven.

Let the chicken bake for 15-20 minutes until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your delectable garlic butter chicken!

Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken Success

• Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from chicken, ensuring crispy, golden-brown skin that seals in delicious flavors.
• Create a hot skillet before adding chicken to achieve a beautiful caramelized exterior that locks in juicy tenderness.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother melting and more even coating, which enhances the garlic butter's rich flavor profile.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Swap parsley with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic twist that complements the garlic butter beautifully.

Variations for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Herb-Crusted Chicken Variation: Replace salt and pepper with a blend of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-style chicken.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap olive oil with ghee and use bone-in chicken thighs for higher fat content, perfect for ketogenic diets.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil and add extra lemon juice for moisture and flavor, suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Mix paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder into the seasoning for a zesty, spicy kick that transforms the original recipe's flavor profile.

Best Pairings for Garlic Butter Chicken

Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the garlic butter’s richness and cuts through the chicken’s savory flavor.

Serve roasted rosemary potatoes or creamy parmesan risotto, which absorb the garlic butter sauce and enhance the main dish’s delicious profile.

Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding brightness that balances the chicken’s hearty and rich texture while providing a refreshing contrast.

Include warm, crusty French bread or sourdough to soak up the delectable garlic butter sauce, ensuring no flavorful liquid goes to waste.

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Properly

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air pockets to prevent freezer burn.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices running clear.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well. Just adjust cooking time slightly as they are leaner and can dry out faster. Aim for the same internal temperature of 165F.

• What if I don't have fresh parsley for garnish?

No worries! You can skip the parsley or substitute with dried herbs like dried parsley, chives, or oregano. The dish will still taste delicious.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe For Dinner

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken elevates weeknight dinners with rich, creamy flavors straight from Italian kitchens. Crispy golden edges and tender meat promise a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs

Fat and Dairy:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Use paper towels to completely absorb moisture from chicken thighs, then generously season with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, creating a hot cooking surface for perfect searing.
4. Carefully place chicken thighs in the skillet, cooking each side for 5-7 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
5. Remove chicken from skillet, then quickly sauté minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
6. Return chicken to the skillet, introducing butter and fresh lemon juice to create a luxurious pan sauce.
7. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and coat the chicken.
8. Transfer skillet directly to the preheated oven, roasting for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
9. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a vibrant, fresh garnish before serving.

Notes

• Moisture Mastery: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
• Fat-Friendly Option: Swap butter with olive oil or ghee for a lighter version that still delivers rich, satisfying taste.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165F, preventing dryness while ensuring food safety.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary during searing to enhance the chicken’s aromatic profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg