Looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious meal? This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is perfect for you! It combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but delicious enough for a special occasion. Keep reading to learn how to make this mouthwatering meal!
What is “Garlic Butter Chicken”?
Garlic Butter Chicken is a savory dish that features tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic. The dish often includes herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor, and it can be served with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables. The combination of garlic and butter gives the chicken an irresistible flavor, while keeping it moist and tender. This dish is easy to make in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken
Before we get into the cooking instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for Garlic Butter Chicken. These simple ingredients come together to create an irresistible flavor profile.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the chicken)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (or more, depending on your love for garlic)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or white wine (optional, for extra sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Garlic Butter Chicken is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer juicier, more flavorful chicken, swap out the breasts for bone-in or boneless chicken thighs.
- Herb Options: In addition to thyme or parsley, you can use rosemary, oregano, or basil to flavor the butter sauce.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat. You can also add smoked paprika for a richer flavor.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce: For a creamier sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half to the garlic butter sauce at the end.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Throw in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus to make it a complete one-pan meal.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, you can swap it out for chicken broth, which adds just as much depth of flavor without the alcohol.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken in just a few simple steps.
- Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts (or thighs) with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasonings all over the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated. - Sear the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. You don’t need to cook it all the way through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. - Deglaze the Pan (Optional):
If you're using wine or chicken broth, pour it into the pan now to deglaze. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, as they add tons of flavor. Let the liquid simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced. - Return the Chicken to the Pan:
Add the chicken back to the skillet, making sure it’s nestled into the garlic butter sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). - Add Fresh Herbs and Lemon (Optional):
Just before serving, stir in the fresh thyme or parsley and squeeze in a little lemon juice for a burst of brightness. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. - Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is flavorful, remove the chicken from the pan and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with extra herbs and serve hot.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
To sum up the process, here’s a simple guide for making Garlic Butter Chicken:
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Sear the chicken in olive oil to get a golden-brown crust. This locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt the butter, sauté the garlic, and deglaze the pan if using wine or broth.
- Simmer and Cook: Simmer the chicken in the garlic butter sauce until it’s fully cooked and tender.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon: Stir in fresh herbs and lemon juice to brighten the dish before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F and no higher.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns easily and becomes bitter if cooked too long at high heat. Make sure to sauté it briefly over medium heat until fragrant, and watch it closely.
- Not Deglazing the Pan: Deglazing the pan with broth or wine helps lift all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan and adds depth to the sauce. Don’t skip this step!
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation matters, and here are some tips to make your Garlic Butter Chicken look even more delicious:
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges: Place a few lemon wedges on the side for those who love a zesty finish.
- Add a Drizzle of Sauce: Don’t forget to spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the chicken and sides to maximize flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With Starches: Serve the chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- With Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Low-Carb Option: For a keto-friendly meal, serve the chicken with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or sautéed spinach.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken
If you’re cooking for guests or just want to make the dish look extra special, try these presentation ideas:
- Cast Iron Skillet: Serve the chicken directly from the skillet for a rustic, cozy presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
- Platter Style: Arrange the chicken breasts on a large serving platter, drizzle with extra sauce, and surround them with roasted vegetables or greens.
- Individually Plated: Place each chicken breast on individual plates with a side of mashed potatoes or rice, and drizzle with the garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor for this recipe. Avoid pre-minced garlic, as it can taste less vibrant.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Keep the Sauce Warm: If the sauce cools down too much while the chicken is resting, simply reheat it over low heat and spoon it over the chicken before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?
A: Yes! You can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as bone-in pieces will take a little longer to cook through.
Q: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
A: Absolutely! After searing the chicken, you can transfer it to a preheated 375°F oven to finish cooking for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: If using pre-cooked chicken, you can skip the searing step. Just reheat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce for a few minutes until warmed through.
Q: What kind of wine should I use for deglazing?
A: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works best for deglazing the pan. If you don’t have wine, chicken broth is a great substitute.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a fantastic choice for a quick and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, the rich, buttery garlic sauce paired with juicy chicken will satisfy your cravings. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe you can turn to again and again. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious flavors of garlic and butter in every bite!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and coated in a delicious garlic and herb butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights yet rich enough to impress guests. Pair it with veggies or rice for a simple, flavorful meal packed with savory garlic and buttery goodness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low, add butter, and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice and parsley, if using, and return chicken to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken.
- Let chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes before serving hot.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.
- You can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
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