Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe for Cozy Home Dinners

Succulent garlic butter chicken dances with incredible flavor combinations that will make your taste buds sing.

Aromas wafting from the kitchen promise something extraordinary.

Crispy edges and tender meat create a delightful contrast on every plate.

Butter melts into golden pools, infusing each bite with rich, savory goodness.

Simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily master at home.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, guaranteeing a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe is your ticket to culinary magic that impresses without complicated techniques.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Always Delivers Big Flavor

  • Boost Flavor Profile: Perfectly balanced spices and herbs create a mouthwatering combination that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Simple one-skillet technique allows even beginner cooks to prepare a delicious main dish with minimal kitchen skills and cleanup.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or salad, making it an adaptable recipe for multiple meal styles and preferences.
  • Healthy Protein Choice: Lean chicken breasts provide high-quality protein while the homemade garlic butter sauce adds incredible taste without excessive calories.

Ingredients for Easy Garlic Butter Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender cuts that serve as the primary protein for this flavorful dish.
Spice Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Oregano, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: A balanced mix of seasonings that adds depth, warmth, and a subtle kick to the chicken.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and helps create a golden-brown exterior on the chicken.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base for the sauce and adds luxurious flavor.
  • Garlic Cloves: Delivers a pungent and aromatic foundation for the garlic butter sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh herb note to the final dish.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty, tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken in Minutes

Step 1: Prep The Chicken

Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. This helps seasonings stick perfectly and creates amazing crispy exterior.

Step 2: Season Like A Pro

Mix spices together:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried oregano
  • Paprika
  • Red pepper flakes

Generously coat each chicken breast with the spice blend, ensuring every inch gets flavor love.

Step 3: Fire Up The Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it starts shimmering and looks super hot.

Step 4: Golden Brown Perfection

Gently place seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they turn gorgeous golden brown. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating.

Step 5: Create Magical Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower skillet heat to medium-low. Add butter and let it melt completely. Finely chop garlic cloves and toss into melted butter. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until wonderfully fragrant.

Step 6: Boost The Flavor

Stir in:
  • Fresh parsley
  • Lemon juice

This creates a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 7: Final Touch

Return chicken to skillet and lovingly spoon garlic butter sauce over each piece. Make sure every inch gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer chicken to serving plates. Drizzle remaining garlic butter sauce on top. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Kitchen Tips for Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Pat Chicken Dry for Perfect Seasoning: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping spices stick better and creating a crispier exterior.
  • Balance Spice Blend Carefully: Mix salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes in precise proportions to enhance chicken's natural flavor without overwhelming it.
  • Monitor Cooking Temperature Closely: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
  • Master Garlic Sautéing Technique: Sauté minced garlic quickly for 30-45 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning, which can create bitter taste.
  • Elevate Sauce with Fresh Ingredients: Add freshly chopped parsley and squeeze of lemon juice to brighten garlic butter sauce, creating a restaurant-quality finish.

Simple Ways to Change Up This Chicken Dish

  • Herb-Crusted Chicken: Replace dried oregano with a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage for an aromatic herb-infused version.
  • Spicy Cajun Chicken: Swap paprika and red pepper flakes with Cajun seasoning, adding a bold and zesty Louisiana-style kick.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Chicken: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes into the garlic butter sauce for a tangy Mediterranean touch.
  • Coconut Curry Chicken: Replace olive oil with coconut oil and add mild curry powder to the spice mixture, creating a subtle Indian-inspired flavor profile.

What to Eat with Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic butter's richness with bright, acidic notes that cut through the chicken's buttery flavor.
  • Herbal Herb Accent: Fresh cilantro or basil sprigs provide a zesty garnish that enhances the parsley and adds vibrant green color to the golden-brown chicken.
  • Rustic Side Companion: Roasted baby potatoes or crusty artisan bread work perfectly to soak up the delectable garlic butter sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.
  • Quick Texture Contrast: Crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a peppery, light counterpoint to the rich, buttery chicken, balancing the dish's heaviness.

How to Store Garlic Chicken Without Drying It Out

  • Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, use microwave with 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Keep garlic butter sauce in separate sealed container in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Gently reheat before serving to restore original creamy consistency.

Garlic Butter Chicken Questions Answered

  • What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. They cook evenly and absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully.

  • Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Fresh parsley provides better flavor, but dried parsley can work in a pinch. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried compared to fresh.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should look golden brown and have no pink center.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the chicken stays moist and can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain its tender texture and prevent drying out.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Garlic Butter Chicken promises a mouthwatering journey through rich, creamy flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy outside and tender inside, this dish delivers restaurant-quality comfort with minimal effort you can savor at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence.
  2. Combine salt, black pepper, dried oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl, then evenly coat each chicken breast with the spice mixture.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
  4. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, keeping warm.
  6. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add butter, allowing it to melt completely.
  7. Mince garlic cloves finely and add to melted butter, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  8. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice, creating a vibrant and aromatic garlic butter sauce.
  9. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over each piece to coat thoroughly.
  10. Transfer chicken to serving plates and drizzle remaining garlic butter sauce on top before serving.

Notes

  • Pat chicken breasts completely dry to help spices stick better and create a crispy exterior.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice preference – reduce for mild flavor or increase for extra heat.
  • For gluten-free version, ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and use clarified butter or ghee.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 367
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 617 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 97 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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