There’s something utterly comforting and irresistibly flavorful about the Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe that makes it a go-to weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests with minimal effort. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, brightened with a touch of lemon and infused with herbs, create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. This recipe blends simple ingredients into a decadent sauce that elevates humble chicken into a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the magic behind the Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe, keeping things straightforward but full of flavor. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the seasoning building depth, the butter enriching the sauce, or the lemon juice adding just the right amount of brightness.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, ensuring juicy and tender protein.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness and warm color.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden crust.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Creates that rich, velvety sauce that makes this chicken memorable.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: The powerhouse ingredient providing bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens and balances the richness of the butter.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Brings a herby, earthy note that rounds out the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild herbal lift.
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional): Perfect for an extra zesty touch right at the table.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This simple seasoning is all you need to build a flavorful base that complements the garlic butter sauce perfectly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. This step locks in the juices and creates a beautiful golden crust that will make your dish look as delicious as it tastes. Once cooked through, set the chicken aside to rest.
Step 3: Build Your Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. When it melts, add minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, about one minute. This is when the kitchen fills with that amazing garlic aroma that starts making your mouth water.
Step 4: Add Broth and Lemon Juice for Brightness
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine the ingredients. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce reduces slightly and thickens a bit, giving it a lovely silkiness.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce with Butter and Herbs
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the sauce is perfectly smooth and rich, ready to take the chicken to the next level of flavor.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken and Let Flavors Meld
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the luscious garlic butter sauce generously over the top. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken absorbs that savory goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side if you want to introduce a zesty kick with each bite.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of vibrant, chopped parsley not only makes the plate pop visually but also adds a subtle freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce. Lemon wedges on the side can be squeezed to add acidity and brightness right at the table.
Side Dishes
This garlic butter chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even buttery angel hair pasta. Lightly steamed green veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans complement the dish by adding crunch and making it a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, present the garlic butter chicken on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh herbs and surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables. A drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce around the edges creates a gourmet look that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover garlic butter chicken should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent meal prep option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts with the garlic butter sauce for up to 2 months. For best results, cool the dish completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to revive the sauce’s silky consistency. Avoid microwaving dry chicken by covering it loosely to trap moisture while warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully and remain juicy, though you may need to adjust cooking time slightly due to their different thickness and fat content.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or olive oil, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. The garlic and herbs will still shine, making it a tasty dairy-free dish.
What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?
Water can be used in place of chicken broth, though the flavor will be a bit milder. Adding a pinch of salt or a dash of soy sauce can boost the taste to compensate.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
The Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your seasonings and broth to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten additives.
Final Thoughts
There’s simply no wrong way to enjoy this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s a dish that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weeknight or looking to impress friends over the weekend, the rich garlic butter sauce, bright lemon, and tender chicken will win hearts and satisfy appetites. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will find a permanent spot in your culinary lineup.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a buttery garlic sauce with a hint of lemon and Italian seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Cooking
- 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
To Serve
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to build a flavorful base.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the sauce base: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to let it reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the dried Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an optional bright, citrusy touch.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or white wine for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the garlic amount based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Serve alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best taste rather than bottled.
