There’s something undeniably mouthwatering about the aroma of garlic butter simmering away in the kitchen. Picture this: succulent chicken, bathed in a rich, buttery sauce that envelops each bite with a garlicky kiss. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to roll up your sleeves and dive right in, leaving no plate unturned.
Now, imagine serving this divine Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe at your next family gathering. The way everyone’s eyes light up as they take that first bite? Priceless! This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience worth savoring, perfect for cozy nights or festive celebrations. Garlic Butter Baked Chicken.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is simple yet incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner
- The buttery goodness creates a rich sauce that leaves everyone wanting more
- Its beautiful golden color makes it visually appealing on any plate, and it pairs wonderfully with various sides like rice or veggies
I still remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were practically fighting over who got the last piece!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; avoid those sad-looking ones lurking in the back of your pantry.
- Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness; trust me, your taste buds will thank you later.
- Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps prevent butter from burning and gives an extra layer of richness.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to balance out all that deliciousness.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings are key; don’t skimp on these essential flavor enhancers.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and cuts through the richness beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels; this helps achieve a nice golden crust when cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Sauté Those Garlic Cloves: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with a drizzle of olive oil. Once it shimmers, toss in minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—and be careful not to let it burn!
Cook the Chicken to Perfection: Add seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). You’ll know it’s ready when it exudes a scrumptious aroma.
Create That Heavenly Sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet temporarily. Pour in more butter and add lemon juice while scraping up any brown bits left behind. This is where all those flavors come together!
Add Back the Chicken & Garnish: Return chicken to the skillet, spooning that glorious sauce over each breast. Let it simmer for another minute or two before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for color and brightness.
Enjoy every last bite of this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe! Serve it over rice or with roasted veggies for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf.
You Must Know
- The garlic butter chicken recipe is a culinary gem; it’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious
- Searing the chicken perfectly creates a beautiful golden crust while the garlic-infused butter adds irresistible flavor
- Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that heavenly sauce
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect results, start by searing the chicken in garlic butter until golden brown, then add other ingredients for optimal flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out herbs or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to customize your garlic butter chicken recipe to your taste. Chicken Alfredo Flatbread.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for best flavor retention.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor impact; it makes a world of difference
- Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding chicken to avoid sticking
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for juicier bites
The first time I made this garlic butter chicken recipe, my friends were convinced I had secretly trained under a five-star chef. BLT Chicken Salad Their compliments still bring a smile to my face!
FAQ
How can I make this garlic butter chicken recipe spicier?
For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to infuse some extra heat and excitement.
Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a tasty alternative.
What side dishes pair well with garlic butter chicken?
Serve it alongside rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal experience.
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delectable dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, delivering flavor that’s sure to impress. With its golden crust and savory aroma, this meal will have everyone reaching for seconds. Pair it with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet; cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove chicken from the skillet. Pour in remaining butter and lemon juice, scraping up any brown bits left in the pan.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each breast. Simmer for an additional minute before garnishing with parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
