Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Looking for an easy and delicious dinner option that’s bursting with flavor? This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners, this recipe uses simple ingredients and can be made in under 30 minutes. Whether you serve it with rice, pasta, or veggies, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Read on for the full recipe, variations, tips, and more!

this Recipe

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a rich garlic and butter sauce. The garlic butter sauce infuses the chicken with deep, savory flavors while keeping it juicy and tender. It’s a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad. Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results.

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Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this savory Garlic Butter Chicken:

1. Chicken breasts – 4 boneless, skinless (or chicken thighs if preferred)
2. Butter – 4 tbsp, unsalted
3. Garlic – 6 cloves, minced
4. Olive oil – 2 tbsp
5. Chicken broth – ½ cup (or white wine for extra flavor)
6. Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped (optional for garnish)
7. Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (optional, for a touch of brightness)
8. Salt – 1 tsp
9. Black pepper – ½ tsp
10. Paprika – 1 teaspoon (optional, for added color and flavor)
11. Crushed red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of heat)

These simple ingredients come together to create a rich, garlicky butter sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste, adding more garlic or spices if you prefer.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Chicken: You can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs will give you a juicier, richer flavor, while chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster.
• Butter alternatives: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Simply add them to the garlic butter sauce during cooking.
• Spices: Customize the seasoning by adding herbs like thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning. A dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can give the dish a smoky or spicy kick.
• Sauce variations: You can make the sauce creamier by adding ¼ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk to the garlic butter sauce. This will create a rich, creamy sauce that pairs wonderfully with pasta or rice.
• Lemon garlic chicken: Add lemon zest and extra lemon juice for a bright, tangy version of garlic butter chicken. This variation pairs well with roasted vegetables or a light salad.

These substitutions and variations allow you to tailor the dish to your personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Garlic Butter Chicken:

1. Prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
2. Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
4. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
5. Return the chicken to the pan: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If using lemon juice, add it now for a burst of brightness.
6. Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and coated in the garlic butter sauce, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) for extra flavor and heat. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

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How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s dive deeper into the details of each step to ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken turns out perfectly:

1. Searing the chicken: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice golden sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of searing properly.
2. Garlic butter sauce: Be careful not to burn the garlic. Garlic burns easily, so cook it just until it becomes fragrant (about 1 minute). Burnt garlic will make the sauce taste bitter.
3. Deglazing the pan: Scraping up the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan is key to adding extra flavor to the sauce. Chicken broth works well, but white wine adds even more depth.
4. Simmering the chicken in the sauce: Once the chicken is simmering in the garlic butter sauce, baste it regularly with the sauce for extra flavor and to keep the chicken moist.
5. Checking for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked through without being overcooked.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and avoid overcooking.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter, so keep an eye on it and stir constantly when cooking. Lower the heat if necessary.
• Not deglazing the pan: Don’t skip deglazing the skillet after searing the chicken. Those browned bits at the bottom of the pan are full of flavor and will make the sauce richer.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas on how to serve and present this delicious meal:

• Plating: Serve the chicken on a plate with a generous spoonful of garlic butter sauce drizzled over the top. You can also serve it family-style in the skillet.
• Garnish: Fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle the chicken with extra garlic butter sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Side dishes: Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
• For a lighter meal: Serve the chicken over a bed of mixed greens or alongside a simple arugula salad for a lighter option.

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How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways depending on the occasion:

• With pasta: Toss some cooked pasta (like spaghetti or linguine) in the garlic butter sauce and serve the chicken on top for a quick and easy garlic butter chicken pasta.
• With rice: Serve the chicken alongside steamed white rice, brown rice, or a pilaf to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• With roasted vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
• Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or a side of sautéed spinach for a keto-friendly meal.

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Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken

Here are some presentation ideas to make your Garlic Butter Chicken look as good as it tastes:

• Skillet to table: Serve the chicken directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices for added color and flavor.
• Individual plating: Serve each chicken breast on a plate with sides of mashed potatoes and green beans, drizzling extra garlic butter sauce over the top for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Garnish generously: Top with finely chopped parsley or thyme, a drizzle of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an elegant finish.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Tips

• Meal prep: You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken fresh.
• Leftovers: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra butter or broth to refresh the sauce.
• Freeze it: You can freeze cooked chicken breasts with the garlic butter sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, but you may need to adjust the cooking time since thighs take longer to cook.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative instead of regular butter for a dairy-free version of Garlic Butter Chicken.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth, white wine, or even water in a pinch. Each option will slightly alter the flavor of the sauce.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The rich garlic butter sauce enhances the natural flavor of the chicken, creating a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a mouthwatering dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!

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