Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with juicy, tender chicken. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire. If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious meal, this dish is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken stands out for several reasons. First, it features minimal ingredients that are often already in your pantry, making it convenient. The bold flavor of garlic pairs beautifully with the richness of butter, enhancing the taste of the chicken without overwhelming it. Additionally, this dish is quick to prepare, usually taking 30 minutes or less, which is perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a hearty meal.
The ease of preparation and the delicious outcome make it a family favorite. Plus, the use of wine or chicken broth adds depth to the sauce, which you can use to soak into your side dishes.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken
Making Garlic Butter Chicken is straightforward and requires just a few steps. Follow along to create this mouthwatering dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
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Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness; about 4 average-sized breasts)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup white wine* or chicken broth (or as necessary)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more if you want extra sauce)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced; or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)
Directions:
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To a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pounded chicken breasts to the skillet. Season the chicken evenly with the 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
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Cook the chicken without touching or moving it for about 5 minutes. This helps develop a nice golden color on the first side. If you’re using thicker or larger chicken breasts, you may need to sear them for 6-7 minutes.
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After 5 minutes, flip the chicken over gently. Allow it to cook on the second side for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Again, avoid disturbing the chicken while it cooks to ensure a beautiful sear.
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Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the skillet with a slotted spatula and place it on a plate to rest.
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Using caution, deglaze the skillet by adding your choice of white wine or chicken broth. Let the liquid bubble up and steam for a few seconds, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
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Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt for about one minute, stirring continuously.
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Incorporate the garlic into the pan and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
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Turn off the heat, then return the chicken to the skillet. Flip it in the garlic butter sauce, using a spoon to coat the chicken generously with the sauce.
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For extra flair, garnishing with fresh parsley is optional. Serve immediately to enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success Garlic Butter Chicken
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Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensuring that your chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness helps them cook evenly without drying out.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches is essential if you’re making more than 4 breasts. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than searing.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, using a meat thermometer can help. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
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Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to try different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Lemon zest or dried Italian herbs can provide a delightful twist.
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Add More Butter for Extra Sauce: If you love the garlic butter sauce, don’t hesitate to add more butter—just adjust the ingredients as needed.
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Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking ensures that it retains its juices, making every bite succulent.
Flavor Variations Garlic Butter Chicken
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Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a kick of heat.
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Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter for added flavor depth.
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Citrus Flavor: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving for a zesty touch.
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Creamy Addition: Stir in heavy cream with the garlic sauce for a rich and creamy version of this dish.
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Vegetable Boost: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus into the skillet for added nutrition and color to your dish.
Serving Suggestions Garlic Butter Chicken
For the perfect meal, pair Garlic Butter Chicken with:
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Steamed Rice: The buttery sauce is perfect for soaking into a bowl of fluffy rice, making each bite delectable.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition to your plate.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting option, serve the chicken with creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
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Pasta: Toss cooked pasta in the garlic butter sauce, then top with the chicken for a satisfying meal.
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Salads: A fresh garden salad drizzled with your favorite dressing complements the savory chicken beautifully.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Garlic Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers, storing Garlic Butter Chicken is simple! Here’s how:
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Refrigeration: Allow the chicken to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You can add a splash of chicken broth or additional butter to enhance the moisture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————-|———–|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
FAQ About Garlic Butter Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s crucial to thaw them completely before cooking. You can either defrost them overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Cooking from frozen is also possible, but it requires more cooking time and may lead to uneven cooking.
What can I substitute for the white wine in this recipe?
If you’d prefer not to use white wine, you can easily substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. This will provide moisture and flavor to the dish without any alcohol content. Additionally, a splash of lemon juice can add a nice acidity and brightness to the sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to determine if chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. It should read a minimum of 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can cut into the chicken: it should be opaque and the juices should run clear, not pink.
Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before combining it with the chicken. This way, you can save time and focus on the main dish when you’re ready to serve.
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken in advance for meal prep?
Definitely! Garlic Butter Chicken is suitable for meal prep. Just cook the chicken as directed, allow it to cool, and portion it into individual containers. This meal can be reheated easily throughout the week, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious meal that everyone will love, from families to guests. The ease of preparation, coupled with the rich flavors, makes it a go-to recipe that you can return to time and again. Whether served on a busy weeknight or for a more elegant dinner, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy every savory bite of this comforting chicken recipe!
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Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with juicy, tender chicken, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth (or as necessary)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more if you want extra sauce)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced; or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)
Instructions
- To a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pounded chicken breasts to the skillet. Season the chicken evenly with the 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken without touching or moving it for about 5 minutes. This helps develop a nice golden color on the first side.
- After 5 minutes, flip the chicken over gently. Allow it to cook on the second side for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the skillet with a slotted spatula and place it on a plate to rest.
- Deglaze the skillet by adding your choice of white wine or chicken broth. Let the liquid bubble up and steam for a few seconds, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan.
- Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt for about one minute, stirring continuously.
- Incorporate the garlic into the pan and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Turn off the heat, then return the chicken to the skillet, flipping it in the garlic butter sauce to coat generously.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pound the chicken evenly and don’t overcrowd the pan for best results. Using a meat thermometer can ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American