This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a winner! Juicy chicken cooks in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s full of flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
What’s not to love? The garlic scent alone makes your kitchen smell amazing! I usually serve it with rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re in a pinch, chicken thighs could work too—they’re more flavorful, and you won’t need to adjust the cooking time much.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a substitute, just use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove.
Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter to control the salt level. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with olive oil or even avocado oil, but it will slightly alter the taste.
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water can be used. In a pinch, you can dissolve a bit of bouillon in water for a similar flavor.
How Do You Achieve Juicy and Flavorful Chicken?
The key to succulent chicken is not overcooking it! Here’s how to ensure it turns out juicy every time:
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry. This helps in getting a nice sear instead of steaming the chicken.
- Cook on medium-high heat, and allow enough space between the chicken pieces if cooking multiple at once.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Target 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking before slicing. This helps retain moisture.
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Butter Chicken takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus about 15 minutes of cooking, for a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice golden color when cooking. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through (check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C). When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of the butter. Let it melt. Then, add the minced garlic and optional Italian seasoning, sautéing for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant (be careful not to let it burn!).
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the chicken broth, using a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce.
5. Final Touches:
Next, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let everything heat through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired. This garlic butter chicken is great over rice, pasta, or alongside your favorite vegetables. Dig in and enjoy your delicious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw chicken is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or even water with a bit of bouillon dissolved in it. This will still provide enough flavor for the sauce!
How Should I Store Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce looks too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can replace the butter with dairy-free alternatives like olive oil or vegan butter to keep the recipe dairy-free while still enjoying that rich flavor.
