This garlic butter chicken recipe features juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, making it an easy chicken recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
With simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
The recipe is designed for quick preparation and cooking, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal in no time. Serve it with green beans or a green leafy salad for a complete dinner that the whole family will love.
Rather have chicken bites instead of whole breasts? Check out the modified recipe below the main one.
Creating the Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic butter chicken is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, offering a delightful combination of juicy chicken breasts and a savory pan sauce. This easy chicken recipe features boneless skinless chicken breasts, seared to golden brown perfection in a large skillet.
With simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs, this dish is sure to impress the whole family.
The cook time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick option for those hectic evenings. The buttery garlic sauce, enriched with a splash of white wine and a hint of lemon, elevates the chicken to a new level of deliciousness. Serve it alongside vibrant green beans for a colorful and appetizing meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Essential Ingredients for Flavor
The main ingredient in this dish is, of course, the chicken.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts work wonderfully, providing a juicy texture that pairs perfectly with the flavorful garlic butter sauce. The addition of garlic powder and Italian seasoning brings depth to the dish, while the unsalted butter creates a rich, creamy sauce.
Using a stainless steel skillet or a dark nonstick pan ensures even cooking and allows for the browning of the chicken, which adds to the overall flavor profile. Don’t forget to incorporate fresh herbs for garnish, as they not only enhance the presentation but also add a fresh aroma that complements the savory notes of the dish.
Cooking Techniques for Success
To achieve that perfect sear, start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from steaming.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing a safe and juicy chicken breast.
After searing, remove the chicken and prepare the garlic butter sauce in the same skillet. The browned bits left at the bottom of the pan are packed with flavor, so be sure to scrape them up while adding the minced garlic and butter. This technique creates a delicious sauce that clings to the chicken, making every bite a winner.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Once the chicken is cooked and coated in the savory sauce, it’s time to serve. Garnish with a teaspoon of lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish. Pair the garlic butter chicken with green beans or a fresh green leafy salad to balance the richness of the dish.
For an added touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely creamy texture that complements the buttery sauce. A lemon wedge on the side provides an extra burst of flavor that can be squeezed over the chicken just before eating.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or broth to keep the chicken moist.
This dish can also be made ahead of time, allowing for an easy cleanup and a quick dinner option later in the week. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or reheated, this garlic butter chicken will remain a family favorite, proving to be a versatile and delicious addition to your weeknight meals.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The garlic butter chicken recipe is not just another chicken dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly. The combination of juicy chicken, a rich buttery sauce, and fresh herbs creates a memorable dining experience. Plus, with its straightforward preparation, it’s perfect for anyone looking to whip up an easy yet impressive meal.
This dish embodies the essence of comfort food, making it a staple in many households.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this garlic butter chicken is sure to be the star of the show, proving that simple ingredients can lead to extraordinary results.
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
This garlic butter chicken is made by searing chicken pieces in a large skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown, then simmering them in a savory buttery pan sauce. The cook time is approximately 20 minutes, and it serves 4 people. The perfect amount of sauce makes it ideal for pairing with pasta or rice.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tablespoons jarred minced garlic)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or homemade chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or thyme)
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large stainless steel skillet or dark nonstick pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken stock and white wine (if using), stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, add lemon juice and zest, and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with a lemon wedge. Enjoy with green beans or a side of pasta for an ultimate chicken dinner.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These garlic butter chicken bites are juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes. Tender chunks of chicken are seared to perfection, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and herbs. Perfect for serving over rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat chicken bites dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Combine: Return the chicken bites to the pan, tossing to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to soak up the flavor.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 340kcal
- Fat: 19g
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
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