Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Looking for a quick, savory, and utterly delicious chicken recipe? This Garlic Butter Chicken is your answer! Juicy chicken breasts (or thighs) are cooked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, creating a simple but flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner in no time. Keep reading to discover the recipe, tips, and serving ideas for this mouthwatering dish.

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What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a classic, simple dish where chicken is cooked in a delicious combination of butter, garlic, and herbs. The chicken turns out juicy with a golden brown crust, while the butter and garlic form a rich, aromatic sauce that adds incredible depth of flavor. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs, making it versatile and easy to customize based on your preferences. This recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for busy cooks or anyone who craves a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.

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Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken

Here’s everything you need to make Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the chicken)
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or white wine, optional for deglazing)
• Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is easily adaptable to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few substitution and variation ideas:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat. Bone-in cuts will also work but require a longer cooking time.
• Butter: For a lighter option, use half butter and half olive oil. You can also use ghee (clarified butter) for a richer flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder works in a pinch. For an extra garlic punch, roast whole garlic cloves and serve them with the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Replace the broth with white wine for a more sophisticated flavor. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half.
• Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for more depth. Dried herbs work well too.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken:

1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder (if using). Set aside.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Return the chicken to the pan: Add the chicken back to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the chicken and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness. Enjoy hot!

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

1. Sear for golden brown chicken: Cooking the chicken in a hot skillet with butter and oil helps create a beautifully golden, crispy crust. Be sure not to move the chicken too much while it sears, allowing it to develop a nice color.
2. Control the heat: Reduce the heat when adding garlic to avoid burning it, as burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter. Cooking the garlic gently in butter brings out its sweetness.
3. Deglaze for flavor: Deglazing the pan with chicken broth or wine lifts all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan, creating a rich sauce.
4. Finish with butter: Adding more butter at the end enhances the sauce's richness and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out easily if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) but no higher.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, and burning it can impart a bitter flavor to your sauce. Keep the heat low when cooking the garlic, and stir frequently.
• Skipping the resting time: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile option for dinner. Here are some serving and presentation ideas to complete your meal:

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

• Over pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of pasta, drizzling the garlic butter sauce over the top for a deliciously saucy dish.
• With mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect match for the rich garlic butter sauce.
• With vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, add a nutritious and colorful contrast to the dish.
• On a salad: For a lighter option, serve the chicken sliced over a fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

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Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or basil over the chicken for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Serve in the skillet: Present the chicken directly from the skillet, spooning the buttery garlic sauce over the top in front of your guests for a rustic, yet elegant look.
• Add lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of acidity that brightens up the rich flavors.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Tips

• Use room temperature chicken: Let the chicken sit out for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and prevents it from drying out.
• Make it ahead: You can cook the chicken and garlic butter sauce ahead of time, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.
• Customize the sauce: For a creamier garlic butter sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking. You can also add Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts work well in this recipe, but they will need a longer cooking time. Make sure to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While margarine can be used, real butter provides a richer, more flavorful sauce. If you need to avoid butter, a combination of olive oil and margarine can work in a pinch.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to preserve the flavor and texture.

Q: Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, juicy chicken with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. It’s quick, easy, and packed with mouthwatering flavors that will make it a new favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, alongside roasted veggies, or on its own, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it out, and get ready to enjoy an irresistible, buttery, garlic-infused dinner!

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