Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weekday, this recipe delivers hearty comfort with its rich, buttery sauce infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress guests, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
This dish takes me back to family dinners where simplicity met indulgence, and the smell of garlic wafting from the kitchen brought everyone together. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables to complete this satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the magic of this garlic butter goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple techniques, perfect for beginners or seasoned cooks looking for a quick meal.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to savor your creation.
- Rich and Flavorful: The garlic-butter sauce coats every bite, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.
- Customizable: Pair it with your favorite sides or adjust the flavors to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken breasts – 2 large, boneless and skinless
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons
- Garlic – 4 to 5 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth – ½ cup
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon
- Dried parsley – 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper – to taste
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. This step enhances flavor and ensures a beautiful sear.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden and aromatic.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This step adds depth to your sauce.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice and heavy cream, allowing the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to coat it thoroughly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2–3 minutes to absorb all the flavors. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Low and Slow: When making the sauce, reduce the heat to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Fresh Garlic Over Powder: Use fresh garlic for the most robust flavor.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes:
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to keep the sauce from separating.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream. The flavor will differ slightly but still be delicious.
Storage Instructions:
Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other comfort food favorites:
Conclusion:
Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that’s guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner table. It combines the boldness of garlic with the creaminess of butter and cream, creating a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!
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Garlic Butter Chicken: A Flavorful Comfort Food Classic
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weekday, this recipe delivers hearty comfort with its rich, buttery sauce infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress guests, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
This dish takes me back to family dinners where simplicity met indulgence, and the smell of garlic wafting from the kitchen brought everyone together. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables to complete this satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the magic of this garlic butter goodness!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts – 2 large, boneless and skinless
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons
- Garlic – 4 to 5 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth – ½ cup
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon
- Dried parsley – 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Chicken breasts – 2 large, boneless and skinless
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons
- Garlic – 4 to 5 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth – ½ cup
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon
- Dried parsley – 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Notes
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.