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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with rich, comforting flavors yet comes together in no time, this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken breasts get coated with a perfectly seasoned crust before being bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s tangy with a hint of lemon and savory Italian herbs. Every bite is moist, buttery, and fragrant, making it a go-to meal for weeknights or any time you want a simple feast that feels special. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that work in harmony to create a flavorful dish. Each element plays a key role: from seasoning to searing, to creating a sauce that’s rich yet bright.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that’s tender and easy to cook evenly.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps the chicken develop a tasty crust.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the chicken’s seasoning.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Olive oil: Perfect for a high-heat sear to get that golden-brown exterior.
- Unsalted butter: Divided between sautéeing and enriching the sauce with creamy richness.
- Garlic, minced: The aromatic hero that infuses every bite with bold flavor.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the velvety sauce.
- Lemon juice: Lifts and brightens the sauce with a zesty touch.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish that complements the richness.
- Lemon wedges (optional): For an extra squeeze of brightness at the table.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides. This simple step builds the flavor foundation, ensuring each bite is packed with that inviting, smoky warmth and just the right balance of seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan, giving them space to develop a golden-brown crust. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and succulent. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Lower the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. When the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it gently for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned — this creates the essential garlic flavor that defines this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Build the Sauce with Broth and Lemon
Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring to blend the flavors beautifully. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes so it can reduce and concentrate, intensifying the tangy and savory notes that make every bite so memorable.
Step 5: Enrich the Sauce and Add Italian Seasoning
Next, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the dried Italian seasoning. This turns the sauce silky smooth and adds a wonderful herbaceous aroma that complements the garlic and lemon perfectly, delivering a taste that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Step 6: Reintroduce the Chicken and Meld Flavors
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Spoon the luscious sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 more minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up the garlicky, buttery goodness and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the chicken to brighten the dish visually and with fresh notes. Serve alongside lemon wedges so each diner can add their desired zesty punch. Your Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is now ready to wow!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped parsley is a classic and simple garnish that adds freshness and a pop of green to this rich dish. For a little extra flair, I love setting out lemon wedges to let everyone add a personalized squeeze of bright citrus that balances the butter and garlic notes.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines next to a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are perfect for soaking up the garlicky butter sauce. If you prefer something lighter, roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad bring freshness and texture contrast to the plate, making the meal feel complete and harmonious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a sophisticated touch, serve the chicken sliced on a wooden board with the sauce drizzled on top and fresh herbs scattered around. Alternatively, plate it family-style in the skillet it’s cooked in to keep things warm and cozy, letting the sauce glisten invitingly for everyone to dive right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to store the chicken with the sauce to keep it moist and flavorful instead of drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve the texture and flavors, then reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce slowly over low heat on the stove or in the microwave at a lower power setting. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much in storage, keeping the dish moist and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and tend to be even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and seasonings don’t contain any additives with gluten. Always check the labels if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivity.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a plant-based butter. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious with the garlic and herbs.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer until it reduces to your desired consistency, or whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water at the end.
What other herbs can I use besides Italian seasoning?
Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil are wonderful options. Feel free to experiment with whatever herbs you love to tailor the dish to your taste.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe a try because it’s one of those simple meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressing guests without the fuss. Once you make it, you might find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Bon appétit!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce with hints of lemon and Italian seasoning. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a delightful dish that pairs wonderfully with vegetables or your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides to enhance their flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Base: Lower the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes so it reduces and concentrates in flavor.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the dried Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over them and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley atop the chicken and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an optional fresh citrus touch.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for desired tanginess.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- For spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic.
