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
Scale
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.
