Garlic Butter Chicken is the epitome of comfort food—combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. This recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, delivering a sumptuous balance of savory garlic, creamy butter, and a hint of herbs that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a casual get-together, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Directions:
Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This simple seasoning enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the dried Italian seasoning, continuing to stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Serving Tips:
Accompaniments: Garlic Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the rich sauce. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a fresh salad make great complements.
Garnishes: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing the chicken with freshly chopped parsley. Lemon wedges can also be served on the side to add a bright, tangy contrast to the buttery sauce.
Temperature: Serve Garlic Butter Chicken hot for the best flavor and texture. If serving at a gathering or for a special occasion, you might want to keep it warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) until ready to serve.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is sealed well to prevent the sauce from spilling.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze the chicken, it’s best to do so in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To avoid freezer burn, remove as much air as possible from the container or bag.
Reheating: Reheat leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in a skillet over medium heat to ensure the chicken stays moist. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture and heat evenly.
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be cautious not to overcook the chicken as it can become dry. Heat just until warmed through to preserve the tender texture and rich flavor.
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FAQs:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through compared to breasts. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make Garlic Butter Chicken dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as olive oil or coconut oil. For a creamy texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute to the garlic sauce. Ensure that the chicken broth you use is also dairy-free.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Garlic Butter Chicken in advance. Cook the chicken and make the garlic butter sauce as directed, then store them separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate the cooked chicken for up to 3-4 days and the sauce for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, reheat them together in a skillet until warmed through.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick after reheating?
If the sauce becomes too thick after reheating, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of chicken broth or water. Stir the liquid into the sauce gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, to ensure the sauce remains smooth and doesn’t separate.
Conclusion:
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delectable and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers luxurious flavors in just 30 minutes. Enjoy this comforting recipe with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
📖 Recipe:
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Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the rich, indulgent flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken, a simple yet luxurious dish that features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this easy recipe combines savory garlic, creamy butter, and a hint of herbs for a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and dried Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil or coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts; adjust cooking time as needed.
To prevent the sauce from thickening too much when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
