If you’re in the mood for a simple yet flavorful dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes, Garlic Butter Chicken is your go-to. It combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or whipping up something quick for the family, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser. In this recipe, I’ll walk you through everything you need to create a delicious, perfectly seasoned Garlic Butter Chicken that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken
To make this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken, you only need a handful of simple ingredients—most of which you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- Juice of half a lemon
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken
1. Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This step ensures a nice golden-brown sear. Then, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Generously season both sides of each chicken breast with this spice mix. The paprika adds a lovely color and mild smokiness, while the garlic powder and onion powder bring that rich, savory base flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes on one side, allowing them to develop a nice golden crust. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through at this stage—it will finish cooking in the garlic butter sauce.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add 5 tablespoons of butter. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should turn fragrant and golden, not brown. At this point, if you’re using fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, toss them in for an added layer of flavor.
4. Finish Cooking the Chicken
Return the chicken breasts to the pan with the garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it thoroughly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and finish cooking through. If you like a touch of brightness, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the sauce right before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry: Ensuring the chicken breasts are dry before seasoning helps them brown evenly in the pan.
- Don’t rush the sear: Let the chicken cook undisturbed when you first place it in the pan to achieve a nice golden crust.
- Use fresh garlic: While garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh garlic adds a deeper, richer flavor to the butter sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to tweak the amount of garlic or herbs based on your taste preferences.
- Use chicken thighs: If you prefer, chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts, though they may require slightly longer cooking times.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken
This Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich, buttery sauce perfectly.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a lighter, healthier side.
- Rice or Quinoa: Fluffy rice or quinoa will soak up the garlic butter sauce, making each bite delicious.
- Crusty Bread: Mop up the extra sauce with warm, crusty bread.
For a more balanced meal, consider adding a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to counter the richness of the chicken.
Variations on Garlic Butter Chicken
Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding a few personal touches. Here are some ways to customize your Garlic Butter Chicken:
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the garlic butter sauce.
- Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken: Stir in a handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the butter sauce for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Herbed Garlic Butter Chicken: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil for a fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Vegetables: Toss in vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach into the pan after cooking the chicken for a one-pan meal.
Storing and Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! This dish stores well and is easy to reheat for a quick meal later on.
- Refrigeration: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to include some of the garlic butter sauce to keep it moist.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, though the stovetop method helps preserve the chicken’s texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe, though they may require a few extra minutes of cooking time to reach the right internal temperature.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Garlic Butter Chicken is great for meal prepping. You can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.
What other herbs can I use besides parsley and thyme?
Rosemary, basil, or oregano would all work well in this recipe. You can mix and match herbs to suit your taste preferences.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch after the garlic has sautéed. This will help create a richer, more velvety sauce.
What should I do if I accidentally burn the garlic?
Burnt garlic can turn bitter, so it’s best to start over with fresh garlic if this happens. Lower the heat and sauté the garlic more gently to prevent burning.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative or use olive oil instead for a lighter version of the sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this dish is sure to impress. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can have a delightful meal on the table in no time. So why wait? Try this recipe today and enjoy the rich, garlicky goodness!