Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

If you love dishes that bring together rich flavors and simple techniques, then you are going to completely adore this Garlic Butter Chicken. Every bite is a celebration of juicy, tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce that feels both indulgent and comforting. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you create a dish bursting with golden sear, vibrant seasoning, and a savory sauce that’s perfect for soaking up with crusty bread or pairing with your favorite sides. Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again because it feels like a special meal made effortlessly in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Garlic Butter Chicken that truly sings, the ingredients may be few but they are mighty. Each one plays a crucial role—from seasoning the chicken just right to creating a buttery sauce that clings to every tender piece. Here’s what you’ll gather before you get cooking:

• Olive oil: This helps achieve the perfect golden sear and prevents sticking in the pan.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to an even thickness, they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning: Adds a warming, herby depth that complements garlic beautifully.
• Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors naturally.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Introduces a touch of mild heat and complexity.
• White wine or chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan, capturing those flavorful browned bits.
• Unsalted butter: Melts into the dish, creating that silky, decadent sauce.
• Fresh garlic: Minced finely to infuse the butter sauce with its signature aroma.
• Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top for color and a hint of fresh brightness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the pounded chicken breasts. Season them generously with 21 Salute Seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Now, resist the urge to move the chicken around; let it sear undisturbed for five minutes to develop that beautiful golden crust that locks in juices.

Step 2: Flip and Finish Cooking

Carefully flip the chicken breasts over using a slotted spatula. For average-sized breasts, cook another five minutes. If your pieces are on the thicker side, add a minute or two of cooking time. This method ensures your chicken is juicy and tender without drying out—absolute perfection for Garlic Butter Chicken.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

After cooking through, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest. Resting is a critical step that lets the meat fibers relax, keeping every bite moist and flavorful. Meanwhile, your pan is ready for the magic sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Lower the heat to medium. Pour white wine or chicken broth into the hot skillet carefully. The liquid will bubble vigorously—this bubbling lifts all the caramelized bits off the bottom, pooling incredible flavor into your sauce.

Step 5: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

With the liquid still simmering, add the butter to the pan. Stir continuously as it melts, blending beautifully with the wine or broth. Then, stir in the minced garlic, cooking until you can smell that intoxicating garlic fragrance—about one minute. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Garlic Butter Chicken experience.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Turn the heat off and nestle the chicken back into the skillet. Flip it through the sauce so every inch gets coated. Spoon additional sauce over the top for good measure. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately for the ultimate flavor payoff.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garnishes

While the Garlic Butter Chicken speaks for itself, a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley adds an inviting pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness that perfectly balances the richness of the butter and garlic. For a bit of zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also elevate the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with an array of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles soak up the sauce deliciously. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, add a fresh, crunchy contrast, while a crisp salad provides a refreshing balance to the decadent chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a lovely presentation, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on the plate, drizzling the garlic butter sauce generously over the top. You can also serve the chicken atop a bed of rice or cauliflower rice, allowing the buttery garlic sauce to infuse every bite. Don’t forget to add that pop of green parsley; it instantly turns dinner into a feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Garlic Butter Chicken leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after resting overnight, making for a quick and tasty next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Garlic Butter Chicken easily by wrapping individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. For best quality, consume frozen leftovers within 2 to 3 months. When thawed, the garlic butter sauce tends to still taste fantastic.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out the chicken. Spoon additional butter or broth over the pieces while warming to refresh that luscious sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, making them juicy and flavorful. Adjust cooking times slightly since thighs can be thicker, but the Garlic Butter Chicken technique works wonderfully with them too.

What if I don’t have white wine for deglazing?

No worries at all! Chicken broth is a fantastic substitute and still helps lift those tasty browned bits from the pan for a rich sauce.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free seasoning blends and broth. It’s perfect for a gluten-conscious meal without compromising flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil. The flavor will be a little different but still delicious and rich.

How thick should I pound the chicken breasts?

About ½ inch thickness is ideal for even cooking. Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks through at the same rate without drying out.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those go-to recipes that quickly becomes a family favorite because it combines ease with indulgence so effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this dish truly shines with its golden sear, fragrant sauce, and rich buttery garlic flavor. Give it a try—you might just find it’s your new favorite way to enjoy chicken!

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