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Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish made by searing chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce, often with a blend of herbs and seasonings to enhance the taste.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, French, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  • Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Create the Sauce Base: Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce and intensify the flavor.
  • Combine & Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over it. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
  • Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot. Pair with crusty bread, rice, or veggies for a complete meal!

Notes

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a culinary delight that is beloved for its rich, savory flavors and irresistible aroma.
It’s one of those dishes that feels gourmet, but is incredibly simple to make, offering a perfect balance of ease, taste, and nourishment. Here’s why this dish is bound to be a favorite at your table.
1. Bursting with Flavor
The star of the dish is, of course, the garlic butter sauce. The combination of freshly minced garlic sautéed in melted butter creates a robust base of rich, earthy, and aromatic flavors.
Butter adds a creamy, indulgent texture that coats every piece of chicken beautifully, while garlic imparts depth and warmth.
With a pinch of salt, pepper, and herbs like parsley or thyme, the flavors become more well-rounded and complex without being overwhelming.
2. Easy to Prepare
One of the main reasons Garlic Butter Chicken is so loved is its simplicity.
You only need a handful of pantry staples—chicken breasts or thighs, butter, garlic, and seasonings—to create a restaurant-worthy meal.
The dish typically takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Minimal chopping, simple techniques, and one pan are all you need for a meal that tastes far more intricate than it is.
3. Versatile
Garlic Butter Chicken can be served in endless ways. Pair it with mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
It’s also a fantastic low-carb option when served with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower. You can even slice it and add it to pasta for a creamy garlic chicken pasta.
The flexibility of the dish makes it a go-to recipe for all kinds of dietary preferences.
4. Juicy and Tender Chicken
When cooked properly, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy. The butter helps lock in the moisture, while the garlic enhances the natural savory flavor of the meat.
Whether you’re using chicken breasts or thighs, the result is a succulent bite every time.
Searing the chicken first helps develop a golden-brown crust, adding texture and caramelized flavor to the dish.
5. Crowd-Pleaser
Garlic Butter Chicken is a universally loved flavor profile. The richness of butter combined with the boldness of garlic appeals to a wide range of palates, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies.
Its elegant presentation and luscious sauce make it suitable for everything from casual family dinners to special occasions or dinner parties.
6. Comfort Food with a Twist
There’s something incredibly comforting about butter-based sauces, and this dish delivers that sense of warmth and satisfaction.
However, the garlic infusion adds a bold and slightly sophisticated twist that elevates the entire experience. It’s indulgent without being too heavy, leaving you feeling nourished and satisfied.
In summary, Garlic Butter Chicken is an easy, versatile, and flavor-packed dish that is perfect for all occasions.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for guests, this dish guarantees a meal that’s both comforting and memorable. Give it a try, and it might just become your new favorite!

 

Garlic Butter Chicken: Tips and Serving Tricks

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious, quick-to-make dish with tender chicken infused with rich, buttery, garlicky flavors. Whether you're making this dish for a weeknight meal or a dinner party, following a few tips and serving tricks can take it to the next level. Here's how you can make and present it like a pro.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

  1. Choose the Right Cut
    Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best because they’re juicy and tender, but you can also use chicken breasts. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness. Bone-in chicken can also add extra flavor if cooked properly.
  2. Marinate for Flavor
    Marinate the chicken in garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or parsley) for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the chicken absorb the flavors better.
  3. Sear for a Crispy Exterior
    Start by searing the chicken over medium-high heat in butter or oil until golden brown. This locks in moisture and creates a delicious crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
  4. Use Fresh Garlic and Butter
    Always use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Mince or crush the garlic finely so it distributes evenly. Use high-quality, unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
  5. Deglaze for Extra Flavor
    After cooking the chicken, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken stock, white wine, or lemon juice to scrape up the browned bits. This adds depth to the sauce and prevents burning.
  6. Low and Slow for the Sauce
    Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat before adding the butter and garlic. Cooking garlic on low heat prevents it from burning and turning bitter. Swirl the butter until melted, coating the chicken for a silky finish.
  7. Herbs for Freshness
    Finish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and added freshness. A squeeze of lemon can also brighten the overall flavor.

Serving Tricks for Maximum Impact

  1. Presentation Matters
    Plate the chicken on a large platter with the sauce drizzled generously on top. For a more rustic look, add whole roasted garlic cloves for visual appeal and extra bursts of garlic flavor.
  2. Pairings
    Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with starchy sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Vegetables like steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or sautéed spinach also complement the rich, buttery sauce.
  3. Bread for Dipping
    Serve with crusty bread on the side to mop up the delicious garlic butter sauce. This adds a textural contrast and makes for a satisfying meal.
  4. Family-Style or Individual Portions
    For family-style servings, present the chicken in a cast-iron skillet or rustic dish. For more formal occasions, plate individual portions with a drizzle of sauce and garnishes like microgreens or lemon wedges.
Use Fresh Garlic – Mince fresh garlic instead of using pre-minced jars for the best flavor. Sauté it briefly to avoid bitterness.
Butter & Oil Combo – Use both butter and olive oil; the oil prevents the butter from burning while adding richness.
Season Well – Generously season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika for depth of flavor before cooking.
Deglaze the Pan – Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to lift flavorful bits from the pan.
Finish with Herbs – Add fresh parsley or thyme at the end for a fragrant, gourmet touch.
By following these tips and tricks, your Garlic Butter Chicken will be irresistibly flavorful and beautifully presented every time. Enjoy!