If you’re hunting for a dish that delivers pure comfort and mouthwatering flavor with minimal fuss, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken. This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into something spectacular with a luxuriously silky garlic butter sauce, bright herbs, and a splash of lemon. Whatever your week looks like, this dish is guaranteed to win hearts around the table!

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is delightfully straightforward, relying on a handful of kitchen staples and a couple of fresh accents. Each component plays a starring role, ensuring the chicken turns out juicy, aromatic, and full of flavor.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and maximum tenderness; pounding to even thickness ensures they sear beautifully.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and balances the richness of the butter.
Black Pepper: Adds that subtle kick—freshly ground is always best for a pop of flavor.
Paprika: Lends a warm, golden hue and subtle smokiness to the chicken’s crust.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve that irresistible golden sear without burning the butter.
Unsalted Butter: The star of the sauce, bringing creamy richness you’ll want to mop up.
Garlic: Freshly minced—six cloves provide loads of garlicky goodness!
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs infuses the sauce with layers of earthy, savory notes.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens everything up and adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
Lemon Juice (optional): A squeeze right at the end lifts and balances the richness of the sauce.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps them sear beautifully. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. This quick seasoning makes a world of difference, giving your chicken irresistible flavor and color from the very first bite.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Breasts

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (it’s crucial for getting that gorgeous crust). Nestle the chicken breasts into the pan and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side. You want each piece to turn golden brown and cook through—no pink in the middle, just juicy and succulent!

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once your chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate to rest and reduce the heat under your skillet to low. Melt the butter right in those tasty chicken drippings, then stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Let them sizzle gently for 1 to 2 minutes—the aroma is absolutely irresistible at this point.

Step 4: Marry the Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken breasts and any collected juices to the skillet. Use a spoon to lavishly baste each piece with the garlicky, herby butter sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 more minutes so the flavors truly meld and the chicken turns glossy with sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

To finish, scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top, and if you’re in the mood, add a splash of bright lemon juice. Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken warm and get ready for the table to fall in love at first bite.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garnishes

For a vibrant, restaurant-style finish, I love showering my Garlic Butter Chicken with an extra sprinkle of chopped parsley just before serving. If you adore a fresh pop of flavor, a few twists of black pepper or a light dusting of lemon zest work wonders here. The colors are gorgeous against that golden chicken!

Side Dishes

This dish is practically begging for a cozy side like mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up every drop of the garlic butter sauce. For a lighter touch, go with steamed green beans, asparagus, or a simple mixed salad. It’s versatile enough to make friends with just about anything on your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special touch, try slicing the chicken and arranging it over a bed of warm, buttery polenta or creamy risotto. Want a low-carb spin? Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken alongside cauliflower mash or atop sautéed spinach—it’s indulgent and wholesome all at once.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken keeps beautifully for up to three days in the fridge. Simply let the chicken cool, then store it in an airtight container with any remaining sauce. I find that a quick spoonful of sauce over the top before sealing in helps keep it juicy.

Freezing

To freeze, place fully cooled chicken breasts (with sauce, if possible) in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge so that the flavors remain vibrant and the chicken stays tender.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, spooning some of the sauce over each piece to prevent them from drying out. You can add a splash of water or chicken broth as you reheat to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid reheating at too high of a temperature, which can toughen the meat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly and bring extra juicy flavor to your Garlic Butter Chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

What can I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries—try a blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Even just parsley and thyme will still make your garlic butter sauce sing.

Is this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe gluten free?

It sure is! There are no wheat-based ingredients, making this dish naturally gluten free and perfect for a range of diets. Be sure to keep any sides gluten free as well if that’s important for your meal.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—look for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of a breast; it should be opaque with clear juices running out (no pink!).

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just be sure not to overcrowd your skillet—cook the chicken in batches if needed, then bring everything back together for the final simmer in that glorious garlic butter sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Garlic Butter Chicken is such a beloved dish—it’s simple, soulful, and undeniably delicious. If you’re craving a meal that feels special yet fuss-free, I honestly think you’re going to love this recipe. Give it a try and let the buttery, garlicky goodness work its magic at your dinner table!

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy stovetop dish that features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Garlic Butter Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.