The Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Succulent garlic butter chicken blends rich, aromatic flavors that dance across your palate with delightful intensity.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired this classic comfort dish that promises elegant simplicity.

Tender chicken pieces nestle beneath a golden, glossy coating of melted butter and fragrant minced garlic.

Fresh herbs scattered on top add vibrant color and bright notes to each carefully seasoned bite.

Subtle yet powerful, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly memorable.

Quick preparation means you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in less than thirty minutes.

Let’s unlock the magic of this irresistible culinary creation that will make your dinner table shine.

Variations For Garlic Butter Chicken

• Keto-Friendly Option: Replace olive oil with avocado oil and use ghee instead of butter to boost healthy fats while maintaining low carbohydrate profile.
• Herb-Infused Version: Substitute garlic powder with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage for a robust herbal flavor profile that complements the chicken.
• Mediterranean Style: Add crumbled feta cheese and sliced kalamata olives during the final simmering stage to create a Greek-inspired variation with tangy Mediterranean notes.
• Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Mix chili powder and cumin with the original seasoning blend, then top the finished chicken with diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.

Serving Suggestions For Garlic Butter Chicken

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve the golden-brown chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a comforting weekend dinner that brings everyone together.
• Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Slice the chicken breasts diagonally and arrange on a white plate, drizzling the rich garlic butter sauce over the top, paired with a crisp white wine and light salad.
• Quick Lunch Wrap: Shred the leftover chicken and wrap in a warm tortilla with fresh greens, adding a dollop of the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor and moisture.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the chicken into meal prep containers with quinoa and steamed broccoli for a protein-packed lunch that stays delicious throughout the week.

Storage Advice For Garlic Butter Chicken

• Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the chicken and sauce together to prevent drying out, maintaining maximum flavor and moisture.
• Allow the chicken to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer leftovers to a shallow container for faster and more even cooling.

FAQs

• What are the key seasonings for this chicken recipe?

Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are the primary seasonings that create a flavorful and aromatic coating for the chicken breasts.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• What makes the garlic butter sauce so delicious?

The combination of melted butter and freshly minced garlic creates a rich, aromatic sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor and adds a luxurious touch to the dish.

Garlic Butter Chicken That Everyone Will Love

• Savor Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
• Maximize Flavor Punch: The combination of garlic, butter, and spices creates an incredibly rich and aromatic dish that elevates ordinary chicken to restaurant-quality status.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes, allowing you to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying a satisfying meal with family or friends.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable to various side dishes and easily customizable, this recipe works brilliantly for casual dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients For Garlic Butter Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the base of this delicious and easy-to-prepare dish.
• Butter: Rich, creamy ingredient that provides a luxurious flavor and helps create the signature garlic butter sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a bold and distinctive flavor to the chicken.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend that enhances the chicken's natural taste and creates a flavorful exterior.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and provides a smooth cooking surface for the chicken.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a touch of freshness and color to the finished dish.

Step-By-Step Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Dress the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the seasonings into the meat to create a flavorful crust.

Step 2: Create Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet with a swirl of olive oil and a pat of butter over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the sizzling pan. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown color develops and the chicken is completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Unleash the Garlic Magic

In the same skillet filled with those incredible browned bits, melt another pat of butter.

Toss in finely chopped garlic and let it dance around the pan, releasing its aromatic essence for 1-2 minutes until wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Bring the Flavors Together

Gently return the chicken to the skillet.

Lovingly spoon the bubbling garlic butter sauce over each piece, allowing the meat to soak up all the rich, delicious flavors for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve immediately alongside your favorite accompaniments like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crisp salad.

Tips To Make Garlic Butter Chicken Delicious

• Select chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked spots.
• Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for more robust and authentic flavor in the sauce.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a beautiful golden-brown crust when searing.
• Keep butter at medium heat to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden color without scorching garlic.
• Test chicken doneness with a meat thermometer, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken elevates weeknight dinners with Mediterranean flair. Juicy chicken breasts soak in rich, herbed butter sauce, promising a quick and elegant meal for hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Infuse the chicken with a blend of aromatic spices, generously coating both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a flavor-packed foundation.
2. Ignite a large skillet over medium heat, introducing olive oil and butter. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the sizzling pan, allowing each side to transform into a golden-brown masterpiece in approximately 5-6 minutes until perfectly cooked through.
3. Carefully transfer the chicken to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful skillet remnants for the upcoming sauce creation.
4. Melt additional butter in the same skillet, releasing minced garlic to dance and release its fragrant essence for 1-2 minutes, creating an intoxicating aroma.
5. Lovingly return the chicken to the skillet, cascading the rich garlic butter sauce over each piece, allowing the flavors to harmonize during a brief 2-3 minute simmer.
6. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, transforming the garlic butter chicken into a visually stunning and delectable meal ready to be served alongside your preferred accompaniments.

Notes

• Adjust seasoning intensity by increasing or reducing garlic powder and paprika based on personal taste preferences.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs or tenders for varied texture and faster cooking times.
• Transform this dish into a low-carb or keto-friendly option by using ghee instead of butter and serving with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 298 kcal
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 215 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg