Juicy Tender Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe for a Flavorbomb Meal

Succulent chicken breasts dance with rich garlic butter in this mouthwatering skillet garlic butter chicken recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen.

The golden-brown exterior gives way to juicy, perfectly cooked meat that melts on your tongue.

Aromatic garlic infuses every bite with deep, savory notes.

Salt and pepper create a simple yet remarkable seasoning that highlights the chicken’s natural goodness.

Quick and easy preparation means you can enjoy this delectable dish in under 30 minutes.

Minimal ingredients, maximum taste – this recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into something truly special.

Prepare to be amazed by how a few simple ingredients can create such an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 4

Garlic Butter Chicken Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Breasts: Select plump, evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking and tender results, ensuring they are fresh and free from discoloration.

• Olive Oil: Provides a subtle flavor and helps prevent sticking while creating beautiful golden-brown sear on chicken.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy depth and helps develop a luxurious sauce with nutty undertones.

• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor that transforms the entire dish, choose fresh cloves for maximum aromatic impact.
• Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavors and balances overall taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers more vibrant taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Contributes herbal complexity with traditional Mediterranean herb blend.

• Chicken Broth: Creates depth and moisture, supports sauce development with savory undertones.
• White Wine: Optional ingredient that adds sophisticated acidic notes and helps deglaze pan.
• Heavy Cream: Generates silky, luxurious sauce texture with rich, smooth consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional ingredient that introduces salty, nutty dimension to sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh finish with vivid green color and light herbal notes.

Tools to Sear Garlic Butter Chicken Perfectly

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating the delicious sauce.
• Paper towels: Perfect for patting chicken dry, ensuring crispy exterior.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing ingredients and resting chicken.
• Chef's knife: Used for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and scraping skillet.
• Tongs: Ideal for handling and flipping chicken during cooking.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Rich and Juicy

• Dry and Season Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a good pat down with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper all over both sides to create a flavor-packed exterior.

• Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil and butter. Drop in the chicken and let it dance around until golden and perfectly cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Scoop out the chicken and set it aside.

• Craft theal Garlic Sauce

In the same sizzling pan, melt butter and toss in minced garlic. Let it bubble and release its aromatic for about a minute. Pour in chicken broth and watch it bubble, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom.

• Create Creamy Goodness

Splash in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. If you’re feeling fancy, swirl in some Parmesan until the sauce becomes silky smooth. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning.

• Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Gently place the chicken back into the pan, letting it swim in the luxurious sauce for 2-3 minutes. This helps all those incredible flavors mingle and get to know each other.

• Plate and Celebrate

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and serve this mouthwatering dish with your favorite side dishes. Dinner is served!

Tips That Bring Flavor to Every Bite of Chicken

• Simple ways to elevate your garlic butter chicken game.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust that seals in maximum flavor and creates irresistible texture.
• Cook chicken over medium heat to prevent burning and guarantee even cooking, keeping the meat tender and juicy without drying out.
• If sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or white wine to maintain perfect consistency and prevent separation.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that keeps the creamy richness intact.

Serve Chicken with Pasta, Potatoes, or Greens

• Cozy Dinner Plate Pairing: Complement the rich garlic butter chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Veggie Sidekick Harmony: Roast some crispy asparagus, tender broccoli, or sautéed green beans to add a fresh, colorful contrast to the creamy chicken dish.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to help soak up every last drop of the irresistible garlic butter sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
• Wine Companion Choice: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy sauce and enhance the garlic's subtle flavors.

Store Leftovers for Easy Dinner Wins

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out, keeping the meat tender and delicious.
• Refrigerated garlic butter chicken stays good for 3-4 days when sealed properly, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty foil, which can last up to 2 months when sealed correctly, allowing convenient future meals without compromising taste or texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken?

The key ingredients are chicken breasts, butter, garlic, chicken broth (or white wine), heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional Parmesan cheese.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through, as thighs might take slightly longer than chicken breasts.

• 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). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure no pink remains and the juices run clear.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, if using pre-mixed Italian seasoning, double-check the label to confirm it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Tender Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken elevates simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that promises comfort and flavor. Creamy sauce and tender meat create a delightful dining experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 4 tbsps (56 g) unsalted butter, divided
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth or white wine
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry and season comprehensively with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors and create a perfect seasoning base.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place chicken and cook until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Ensure chicken reaches optimal internal temperature before transferring to a separate plate.
3. Sauce Foundation: Reduce skillet heat and add remaining butter. Introduce minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent, releasing its robust aromatic essence.
4. Flavor Development: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, gently scraping caramelized remnants from the bottom. Allow liquid to simmer and concentrate, developing a complex flavor profile.
5. Sauce Refinement: Blend heavy cream and Italian seasoning, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce. Optional: incorporate Parmesan cheese for additional depth and richness. Adjust seasonings to personal preference.
6. Final Integration: Return cooked chicken to the silky sauce, allowing it to absorb and meld with surrounding flavors for 2-3 minutes.
7. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, presenting a visually stunning and aromatic culinary creation.

Notes

Optimize Chicken Dryness: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.

Prevent Burning Garlic: Lower heat when adding minced garlic and stir constantly, as garlic burns quickly and turns bitter, ruining the sauce’s delicate flavor profile.

Temperature Control Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature, aiming for 165°F to guarantee food safety without overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.

Sauce Consistency Hack: If sauce appears too thin, briefly simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken, allowing natural reduction and intensifying flavor concentration without additional thickeners.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg