Garlic Butter Chicken

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Published: February 6, 2025

by Emma Taylor

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken

Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe can be whipped up in just 30 minutes! With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this dish without stress.
Flavorful and Savory: The combination of garlic and butter creates an irresistible sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors, making each bite a delight.
Versatile Meal Options: Serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables for a complete meal. You can easily customize sides based on your preferences!

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I recommend using about 3-4 chicken breasts for juicy results; adjust according to your serving needs.
Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves to deliver robust flavor; minced garlic works best in this recipe.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows better control over seasoning while providing richness to the sauce.

For the Sauce:

Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium options if you’re watching salt intake; it adds depth to the sauce without overwhelming it.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh flavor to balance the richness of the butter.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and chop the garlic finely. Preheat your skillet over medium heat with some oil.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Add seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F or 74°C).

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet. In the same pan, melt unsalted butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about one minute), being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth while scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow it to simmer for about three minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 5: Return Chicken to Skillet

Add back cooked chicken breasts into the skillet and coat them completely with the garlicky butter sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over everything before serving. Transfer to plates and drizzle with more sauce for that perfect finishing touch.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic truly elevates flavor—avoid jarred versions when possible.
Check Doneness Properly: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly without overcooking.
Customize Spice Levels: Feel free to add red pepper flakes if you prefer heat; they complement garlic beautifully.

Classic Lemon Bars Recipe | Easy & Delicious

Classic Lemon Bars Recipe | Easy & Delicious

Mistakes to avoid

Using Old Garlic
Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor in Garlic Butter Chicken. Using old or dried-out garlic can lead to a dull taste. Always choose firm, plump cloves that smell pungent. If you find sprouted garlic, it’s best to discard it as it may impart an undesirable taste. Fresh ingredients enhance the dish’s overall quality, so make this a priority.
Overcooking the Chicken
Overcooked chicken becomes dry and chewy, ruining the rich flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken. To avoid this mistake, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Cooking the chicken on medium-high heat allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Timing is crucial, so watch it closely as it cooks.
Neglecting Seasoning
Proper seasoning elevates your Garlic Butter Chicken from ordinary to extraordinary. Failing to season adequately can result in bland flavors. Don’t just rely on salt and pepper; consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth. Tasting as you cook allows you to adjust flavors accordingly. Remember, seasoning enhances every bite, making it essential for a delicious outcome.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside a medley of steamed broccoli, carrots, and snap peas for a nutritious side dish. The freshness of the vegetables balances the rich flavors of the chicken.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf complements the savory garlic butter sauce, absorbing all the delicious juices. You can enhance the rice with herbs or vegetables to elevate the meal.
Garlic Bread: For those who love garlic, pairing this dish with warm garlic bread will create a delightful experience. This combination makes for an indulgent and satisfying dinner.

FAQs

What goes well with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs excellently with a variety of sides. Consider mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting meal. A fresh salad dressed with vinaigrette can add brightness to your plate. If you’re looking for something heartier, roasted potatoes or pasta tossed in olive oil can be great options as well.

How long does it take to cook Garlic Butter Chicken?

Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken typically takes about 30 minutes. After marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes, sear it in a pan for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The total time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken in the garlic butter mix up to 24 hours before cooking. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the cooking instructions to enjoy freshly made garlic butter chicken.

What are some variations for Garlic Butter Chicken?

You can easily customize Garlic Butter Chicken to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for additional flavor. Experimenting with spices such as paprika or chili flakes can also give it a nice kick. For a creamier texture, you can stir in some heavy cream at the end of cooking.

Conclusion for Garlic Butter Chicken

In summary, Garlic Butter Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful. With its rich garlic butter sauce and juicy chicken, this dish becomes a family favorite in no time.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card