Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

If you are craving a dish that is both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully simple, look no further than this Garlic Butter Chicken. This recipe captures just the perfect balance of succulent chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that will have your taste buds singing. With each bite, you experience tender, juicy chicken infused with aromatic garlic and rich butter, creating a meal that feels both comforting and elegant. Garlic Butter Chicken is a true kitchen hero that transforms basic ingredients into something unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet essential, each one playing a vital role in building the rich flavor, juicy texture, and inviting aroma of the dish. From the olive oil that ensures a perfect sear to the fresh garlic that adds a punch of flavor, you’ll find everything works together harmoniously.

• Olive oil: Provides the ideal fat for searing chicken to a golden crust without sticking.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tender bites every time.
• 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning: A special blend that layers in savory and aromatic notes effortlessly.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and balances the dish.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
• White wine or chicken broth: Used to deglaze the skillet, lifting all those delicious browned bits off the pan.
• Unsalted butter: Creates the rich, silky garlic butter sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Freshly minced garlic: The star of the show, bringing a fragrant, savory depth that defines the dish.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a garnish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming, pat your chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with 21 Salute seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Place the chicken in the hot skillet without moving it for about 5 minutes. This undisturbed searing process is what gives the chicken that gorgeous golden crust you want. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes, or longer for thicker pieces, until cooked through and juicy.

Step 2: Rest the Chicken

Once your chicken is perfectly seared and cooked, transfer it to a plate using a slotted spatula. Resting lets the juices redistribute within the meat, promising the most tender bite in every forkful.

Step 3: Deglaze the Skillet

Keep the skillet on the heat and carefully pour in the white wine or chicken broth. The liquid will bubble up as it loosens all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan’s surface. This step is gold for building a deep, complex sauce.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add butter to the sizzling skillet and allow it to melt completely while stirring continuously. Once melted, stir in the finely minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. This process infuses the butter with the bright, aromatic essence of garlic, which complements the savory chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Turn off the heat and return the chicken back into the skillet, gently flipping it around in the garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over each piece to coat richly. If you like, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten up the dish. Now, it’s ready to be savored immediately.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a burst of color but also contributes a fresh herbal note that lightens the richness of the garlic butter sauce perfectly. For extra flair, a squeeze of lemon juice over the top can add a delightful zing that wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice soak up the luscious sauce wonderfully. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, offer a crisp, vibrant contrast to the tender chicken and buttery sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, slice the chicken breasts crosswise into medallions and fan them out on a platter with the garlic butter sauce drizzled artistically on top. Alternatively, nestle the chicken over a bed of buttery polenta or creamy risotto for an elegant meal that’s sure to impress at any dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, allow the Garlic Butter Chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious and safe to eat for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner on busy days.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Place cooled chicken and sauce together in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its wonderful flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve tenderness and prevent the butter sauce from separating. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the sauce if needed. Microwaving is possible but less ideal for maintaining texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs generally take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a fantastic alternative that still adds moisture and enhances the sauce’s savory dimension.

Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?

Pounding the chicken ensures they cook evenly and stay tender throughout. If your chicken breasts are very thin already, you can skip this step, but uneven thickness can lead to uneven cooking.

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh?

Fresh garlic is always best for that vibrant flavor and aroma, but pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch. Just use a little less heat when cooking it to avoid bitterness.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce, or stir in a small pat of butter off the heat to enrich and slightly thicken the sauce before serving.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those magical dishes that turns a simple meal into something truly special. Its rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic makes the chicken irresistibly tender and flavorful. It’s quick to prepare yet feels like a celebration on your plate. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you just might find your new favorite weeknight dinner that never fails to impress!

Print