Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a mouthwatering and incredibly easy-to-make dish? This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is the perfect combination of juicy chicken and a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. Whether you're new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe will become a go-to favorite for you and your family. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps, ingredients, substitutions, and serving tips to make the best garlic butter chicken ever. So, keep reading to discover all the secrets to this delightful dish!
What Is Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic butter chicken is a popular dish that combines succulent chicken breasts or thighs with a luscious sauce made from garlic, butter, and herbs. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—minimal ingredients, maximum flavor! The garlic butter sauce permeates the chicken, ensuring every bite is full of rich, buttery goodness, while herbs add a fragrant touch. Whether pan-seared, baked, or grilled, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate any cooking style.
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken
To ensure you get the perfect flavor every time, you’ll need the following ingredients for garlic butter chicken. Each component adds depth to the dish, from the richness of the butter to the zing of fresh garlic. Here's a comprehensive list of what you need:
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (you can use bone-in if preferred)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, adds a nice color and extra flavor)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided; you'll need some for cooking and some for the sauce)
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (depending on how garlicky you want it)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (helps prevent the butter from burning)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon (brightens up the sauce and cuts through the richness)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (optional, but adds moisture and extra flavor)
Ingredients List for Sides (Optional but Recommended)
To round out your meal, consider serving garlic butter chicken with any of these sides, which complement the rich flavors of the dish:
For Vegetables:
- Asparagus or green beans (roasted or steamed)
- Broccoli (sautéed with garlic and olive oil)
For Starches:
- Mashed potatoes (fluffy and perfect for soaking up the sauce)
- Rice (white, brown, or even a flavorful pilaf)
- Pasta (angel hair or spaghetti work best)
- Crusty bread (ideal for dipping into the garlic butter sauce)
Substitutions and Variations
Cooking is all about creativity, and this garlic butter chicken recipe is no exception. If you don’t have the exact ingredients on hand or prefer to tweak the flavors, here are some substitutions and variations that will still give you fantastic results:
- Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat. Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving in terms of cooking time, but both options work well.
- Butter Substitution: If you're looking to reduce calories, you can replace half of the butter with olive oil. However, the butter is what gives this dish its signature richness.
- Garlic Adjustments: For a milder garlic flavor, reduce the number of cloves. Alternatively, roast the garlic before adding it to the sauce for a sweeter, caramelized taste.
- Herb Variations: Don’t have thyme? You can use rosemary or oregano instead. Fresh herbs will give you the best flavor, but dried herbs work just as well.
- Creamy Sauce: If you’re looking to make a creamier sauce, add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the butter and garlic mixture toward the end of cooking.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Love heat? Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To get started on this garlic butter chicken recipe, follow these simple steps:
- Season the Chicken: Pat your chicken dry with paper towels to help it brown better. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The oil helps prevent the butter from burning.
- Sear the Chicken: Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts or thighs. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If using bone-in chicken, allow 6-7 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn't burn. Add the remaining butter, thyme, and a splash of chicken broth (if using). Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Return Chicken to the Pan: Add the chicken back to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top of the chicken. If using lemon juice, add it at this point. Let everything cook together for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and spoon the remaining garlic butter sauce over it. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking garlic butter chicken is relatively straightforward, but if you want to master it, follow this detailed guide to ensure perfect results every time:
- Preparation is Key: Ensure all your ingredients are ready before starting. Have your garlic minced, butter cut into portions, and herbs prepared.
- High Heat for a Good Sear: The key to juicy chicken is searing it on high heat to lock in moisture. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the chicken instead of browning it.
- Control the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so after searing the chicken, reduce the heat when adding the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Simmering for Flavor: Allow the chicken to simmer in the garlic butter sauce for optimal flavor infusion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: When you cook chicken, you want it to brown, not steam. Overcrowding the skillet prevents proper browning, so use a large pan or cook in batches.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F but doesn’t go beyond that. Overcooking will make the chicken dry.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns easily, so always cook it over medium heat or lower. If you burn it, the whole dish will taste bitter.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation matters, especially when you want to impress guests or family. Here’s how to serve your garlic butter chicken beautifully:
- Plate with Garnish: After spooning the sauce over the chicken, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
- Serve with a Side: Pair your chicken with sautéed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Add a Lemon Wedge: A wedge of lemon on the plate adds brightness and gives your guests the option to add more tang to the dish.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
- Family Style: Serve the chicken on a large platter with sauce poured over it, allowing everyone to take their portion.
- Individual Plates: For a more formal presentation, plate each chicken breast or thigh with a generous spoonful of sauce and sides.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken
- Rustic: Serve the chicken on a wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around it, surrounded by roasted vegetables.
- Elegant: Plate the chicken on a white dish, drizzle the sauce around it in a circular motion, and add sprigs of thyme or rosemary for an upscale look.
Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Tips
- Resting the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes to thicken. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
- Adjusting Flavor: Taste your sauce before serving. You can adjust the seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or even a dash of pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make garlic butter chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can sear the chicken and prepare the garlic butter sauce a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: While fresh chicken is best, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
Q: Can I bake the garlic butter chicken instead of pan-frying?
A: Absolutely! Sear the chicken first, then transfer it to an oven preheated to 375°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F.
Q: How long does garlic butter chicken last in the fridge?
A: Garlic butter chicken can last for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is an easy, delicious way to bring a restaurant-quality meal to your dinner table. With its rich, buttery sauce, infused with garlic and herbs, it’s sure to become a favorite. Now that you know how to make this dish perfectly, along with some variations and serving ideas, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start cooking! Be sure to bookmark this recipe—it’s one you’ll want to revisit time and again.
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Recipe
This garlic butter chicken recipe is packed with flavor and easy to make, featuring juicy chicken breast smothered in a savory garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner with minimal prep, this dish combines simple ingredients for an unforgettable meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in chicken broth and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over it. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 420mg
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