Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Garlic butter chicken is a classic recipe that is both simple and incredibly flavorful. It's the kind of dish that works perfectly for busy weeknights yet is elegant enough for a special occasion. The combination of tender chicken with the richness of butter and the bold flavor of garlic is hard to beat. Not only will this recipe have your taste buds singing, but it’s also quick to prepare and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ready to take your chicken game to the next level? Read on to discover the secrets of making the best garlic butter chicken!

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What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic butter chicken is a delicious dish that features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts cooked in a buttery garlic sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients come together to create something rich, flavorful, and completely satisfying. The chicken is first seasoned and seared until golden brown, then finished in a fragrant sauce made from garlic, butter, and sometimes additional ingredients like herbs, lemon juice, or cream for extra flavor.

This dish is incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with a range of side dishes, from mashed potatoes to steamed vegetables or even pasta. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, garlic butter chicken is sure to become one of your go-to recipes.

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Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken

Here’s everything you need to make mouth-watering garlic butter chicken:

• Chicken Breasts – 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If they're large, you can slice them in half horizontally to make them thinner.
• Salt – 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
• Pepper – ½ teaspoon, freshly ground.
• Garlic – 4-6 cloves, minced. The more garlic, the more intense the flavor.
• Butter – ¼ cup (half a stick) of unsalted butter. For best results, use high-quality butter.
• Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons, to help sear the chicken without burning the butter.
• Chicken Broth – ½ cup, or use white wine for added depth of flavor.
• Fresh Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish.
• Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon, optional, for a bright, zesty finish.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Red Pepper Flakes – A pinch if you like a bit of heat.
• Heavy Cream – ¼ cup for a creamier sauce.
• Grated Parmesan – ¼ cup to add a savory touch.

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Substitutions and Variations

While the classic garlic butter chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily modify the dish to suit your tastes or accommodate dietary needs. Here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:

1. Chicken Thighs: Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. They’re juicier and more forgiving in terms of cooking time.
2. Herbs: While parsley is traditionally used for garnish, you can experiment with other fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil. Each herb adds a unique flavor profile to the dish.
3. Keto-Friendly: If you’re following a keto diet, garlic butter chicken is naturally low-carb. Serve it over cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a complete keto meal.
4. Dairy-Free: You can make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the butter with a vegan butter alternative or using olive oil exclusively.
5. Lemon Butter Chicken: For a zesty twist, increase the amount of lemon juice and add lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy version of garlic butter chicken.
6. Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the garlic butter sauce if you prefer your dish to have a little heat.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make perfect garlic butter chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Return Chicken to the Pan: Place the seared chicken breasts back in the skillet, turning them in the sauce to coat them evenly.
6. Finish the Sauce: If using lemon juice, stir it in now, along with any optional add-ins like cream or parmesan. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve the chicken with extra sauce drizzled over the top.

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

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to make garlic butter chicken:

1. Season and sear the chicken in olive oil until golden brown.
2. Remove chicken and make a garlic butter sauce in the same skillet.
3. Add liquid (broth or wine) to the sauce and deglaze the pan.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet and finish cooking in the sauce.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Following these steps will ensure perfectly cooked chicken that is juicy, tender, and full of flavor every time.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making garlic butter chicken is simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the Pan: Avoid crowding the chicken breasts in the pan, as this can prevent them from browning properly. Cook in batches if needed.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly if cooked over too high heat. Make sure to reduce the heat when adding the garlic to the skillet.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Using Cold Chicken: Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking. Cold chicken straight from the fridge will not sear properly and may cook unevenly.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Garlic butter chicken pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: The rich, buttery sauce is perfect for drizzling over creamy mashed potatoes.
• Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed rice to soak up the sauce.
• Pasta: For a more substantial meal, serve the chicken with pasta tossed in the garlic butter sauce.
• Vegetables: Steamed or roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans make for a healthy and colorful side.

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How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic butter chicken can be served as the star of the meal with various accompaniments. Here are a few creative serving ideas:

• Family-Style: Serve the chicken in a large skillet or platter with the sauce drizzled on top. Place it in the center of the table for everyone to help themselves.
• Individually Plated: For a more elegant presentation, plate each chicken breast individually with a drizzle of sauce, a lemon wedge, and a garnish of fresh parsley.
• With Bread: Serve the chicken alongside crusty bread to mop up the flavorful sauce.

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Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh thyme adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Add Lemon Slices: Thin lemon slices or wedges placed on the plate add a bright, appealing touch and hint at the citrusy flavor of the sauce.
• Serve in a Cast-Iron Skillet: Presenting the chicken in the skillet it was cooked in adds a rustic charm and keeps the dish warm throughout the meal.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic has a much stronger flavor than pre-minced jarred garlic, which is essential for this dish.
• Don't Rush the Searing Process: Take your time when searing the chicken. A golden-brown crust adds flavor and texture to the chicken.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Don’t hesitate to add other ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce to make it even more flavorful and unique.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving in terms of cooking time. They make a great substitute for chicken breasts.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Can I freeze garlic butter chicken?
A: You can freeze the cooked chicken, but the sauce may separate upon reheating. Freeze the chicken separately and make a fresh sauce when reheating.

Q: What can I serve with garlic butter chicken?
A: Garlic butter chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

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Conclusion

Garlic butter chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich and delicious meal that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or for a special dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. So grab your skillet and give this garlic butter chicken recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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