Introduction
Garlic Butter Chicken is a comforting dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, buttery garlic sauce. Simple ingredients like fresh garlic, butter, and herbs elevate this recipe, making it a family favorite that’s also ideal for impressing guests. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Tongs
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth or white wine
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy sauce)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth or wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- (Optional) Stir in the heavy cream for a richer, creamy sauce.
- Return the Chicken:
- Place the chicken back in the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over it. Add fresh parsley and thyme or rosemary if using. Simmer for another 2 minutes to heat everything through.
- Serve:
- Transfer the chicken to plates, drizzle with extra sauce, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips
- Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier option, substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs; adjust cooking time as needed.
- Control the Garlic Flavor: Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste; if you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. The tender, golden chicken with a silky garlic butter sauce is satisfying and comforting, making it an easy yet impressive meal. Once you try this, it’s bound to become a staple on your dinner menu! Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a full, hearty meal.
Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Easy and flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken, made with tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal!
Equipment
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Tongs
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter divided
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup chicken broth or white wine
- ½ cup heavy cream optional for a creamy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary optional
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth or wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- (Optional) Stir in the heavy cream for a richer, creamy sauce.
- Return the Chicken:
- Place the chicken back in the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over it. Add fresh parsley and thyme or rosemary if using. Simmer for another 2 minutes to heat everything through.
- Serve:
- Transfer the chicken to plates, drizzle with extra sauce, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
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