Garlic butter chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something comforting. Tender, juicy chicken is cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with flavor: The garlic butter sauce is rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and cook time.
- Versatile: Pairs well with pasta, rice, or veggies for a complete meal.
- One-pan recipe: Easy cleanup means less hassle after cooking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Chicken broth or white wine
- Heavy cream
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken:
- Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the cream:
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine and serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy garlic butter chicken: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy twist: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for extra richness.
- Herb-infused: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the sauce for a fragrant flavor.
- Lemon garlic butter chicken: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the sauce for a tangy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well in this recipe.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use a dairy-free cream alternative.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat when adding the cream and avoid boiling the sauce after adding it.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus make great additions to this recipe.
6. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them when reheating.
7. What wine pairs well with this dish?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs beautifully with the flavors of garlic and butter.
8. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking for even results.
9. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water for a thicker consistency.
10. What can I serve with garlic butter chicken?
Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Garlic butter chicken is a rich, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with herbs. Serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the buttery goodness!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried thyme, oregano, and basil)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a bright flavor boost)
Instructions
. Season and prepare the chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
2. Sear the chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Combine and serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken and let it absorb the flavors.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or pasta.
- If using chicken thighs instead of breasts, adjust the cooking time as needed since they may take slightly longer.
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