Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace at the end of a long day, then Garlic Butter Chicken is exactly what you need. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a rich and fragrant garlic butter sauce that turns simple ingredients into a truly memorable meal. Every bite bursts with buttery, garlicky goodness, and it’s surprisingly easy to make — perfect for both busy weeknights and impressing guests. Once you try this recipe, Garlic Butter Chicken will quickly become your go-to comfort food that’s full of flavor and soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t need to be complicated. Each element plays a vital role in building the dish’s delicious taste, texture, and aroma, making the final dish shine.

• Olive oil: Provides a perfect searing surface for juicy, golden chicken with a subtle fruity note.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tenderness.
• 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning: Adds an aromatic blend of herbs that complement the chicken beautifully.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the seasoning perfectly.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a mild heat and depth to the dish.
• White wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, creating a flavorful base for the buttery sauce.
• Unsalted butter: The heart of the sauce, adding richness and smoothness.
• Garlic: Finely minced for that signature punch of savory, aromatic flavor.
• Fresh parsley (optional): A touch of green freshness and color to finish the dish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Searing the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pounded chicken breasts, seasoned evenly with 21 Salute Seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Allow the chicken to sear undisturbed for about 5 minutes so a gorgeous golden crust forms. This searing step locks in juices and builds amazing flavor from the first moment.

Step 2: Flip and Finish Cooking

Once the underside is golden, flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 5 minutes, or longer if your chicken breasts are thicker. Resist the urge to move the chicken around; this helps in creating the perfect seared surface while cooking it through evenly.

Step 3: Resting the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the skillet carefully with a slotted spatula and set it aside on a plate to rest. Resting lets the juices redistribute inside the meat so each slice remains juicy and tender.

Step 4: Deglazing the Pan

With the heat still on medium-high, add white wine or chicken broth to the pan. This step loosens all those tasty browned bits stuck in the skillet, setting the stage for your garlic butter sauce. Allow the liquid to bubble and steam for a few moments to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now add the butter, stirring continuously until it melts into a smooth, glossy sauce. Add the finely minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about one minute. The garlic will infuse the sauce with that irresistible aroma that defines this dish.

Step 6: Combining Chicken and Sauce

Turn off the heat and return the chicken to the skillet. Gently flip and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the breasts to coat them completely. This final coating seals in the flavor and gives you a luscious sauce to serve alongside the chicken.

Step 7: Garnishing

For a pop of color and a fresh note, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and silky, ready to make every bite unforgettable.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic garnish for Garlic Butter Chicken, lending a burst of green vibrancy and a mild herbaceous finish. You might also consider a sprinkle of lemon zest or a few red pepper flakes if you want to add some brightness or a little heat to balance the richness of the butter sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up every drop of that garlicky butter sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add freshness and texture for a perfectly balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, slice the chicken breasts into medallions and fan them out on the plate with sauce drizzled artistically. Serve alongside a light salad with a lemon vinaigrette to add a zesty contrast. You can also transform this dish into a sandwich or wrap the chicken in a warm tortilla with your favorite toppings for a casual yet delicious lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, tightly wrap the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and freshness.

Freezing

Garlic Butter Chicken freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing excess air before sealing. Frozen, it will maintain quality for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, spooning extra sauce over it to keep it moist. Avoid microwave reheating as it can dry out the chicken and diminish the buttery charm of the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and remain juicy, making them an excellent substitute. Just adjust your cooking time slightly since thighs may need a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for white wine?

Chicken broth is a great alternative for deglazing the pan if you prefer no alcohol. It still adds depth and lifts all those delicious browned bits from the skillet.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, Garlic Butter Chicken is not inherently spicy. However, you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you like a little kick to your meal.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It will be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those magical recipes that feels special yet comes together effortlessly with simple ingredients. The tender chicken bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce is pure comfort on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers remarkable flavor that’s sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do!

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