The Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe: Your New Weeknight Addiction!

Hello, WiseRecipes readers and lovers of truly irresistible, flavor-packed meals! Are you ready for a dish that combines simple ingredients into something extraordinarily delicious? Today, I’m beyond thrilled to share my Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken recipe – a dish so rich, so savory, and so incredibly satisfying, it’s bound to become a star in your dinner rotation.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces, perfectly seared to a golden-brown, then bathed in a luscious, aromatic garlic butter sauce that’s simply divine. This easy garlic butter chicken skillet recipe is the epitome of comfort food made elegant. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet sophisticated enough to impress guests. The magic lies in the beautiful simplicity of garlic and butter working together to create a sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.

My journey to perfecting the best pan seared garlic butter chicken was all about achieving that perfect balance: incredibly moist chicken and a sauce that was rich but not heavy, garlicky but not overpowering. This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s a fantastic option when you need a quick weeknight chicken with garlic butter sauce that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

So, if you’re craving a meal that’s both incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to elicit “oohs” and “aahs” from everyone at the table, you’re in the right place. Let’s unlock the secrets to this sensational Garlic Butter Chicken recipe!

Why This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is Simply Irresistible

If the thought of “garlic butter” anything doesn’t immediately make your mouth water, here are more reasons why this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a must-make:

• Rich & Savory Flavor: The combination of golden butter, pungent garlic, and savory chicken is a classic for a reason – it’s absolutely delicious! This is the heart of any good Garlic Butter Chicken recipe.
• Incredibly Juicy Chicken: Pan-searing correctly ensures the chicken stays wonderfully moist and tender inside.
• Quick & Easy to Make: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. It’s a truly easy garlic butter chicken skillet meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Amazing with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that glorious sauce.
• Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have most of these simple ingredients on hand already.
• One-Pan Wonder (Mostly!): The chicken and sauce are made in the same skillet, minimizing cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Who doesn’t love garlic butter? This dish is a guaranteed hit with all ages.

Gather Your Flavor Essentials: Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

Let’s get our simple yet powerful ingredients ready for this delectable Garlic Butter Chicken recipe.

Key Ingredients (Serves 3-4):

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces or left as small fillets/tenders.
• All-Purpose Flour (Optional, for a light coating): ¼ cup.
• Salt: ¾ teaspoon, divided (½ tsp for chicken, ¼ tsp for sauce).
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, divided (¼ tsp for chicken, ¼ tsp for sauce).
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (½ stick), divided.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.
• Garlic: 5-6 cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons). Use more or less to your taste!
• Chicken Broth (Low Sodium): ½ cup.
• Dry White Wine (Optional, for deglazing): ¼ cup (e.g., Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc). Can substitute with more chicken broth.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness).
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped (plus more for garnish).
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Pinch, for a tiny bit of heat.

From Skillet to Sensational: Your Step-by-Step Garlic Butter Chicken Guide

Let’s create this rich and savory Garlic Butter Chicken recipe together!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Prep Chicken: If using chicken breasts, you can cut them into 1-inch bite-sized pieces or slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets for quicker cooking. Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels.
2. Season (and Flour, if using): In a medium bowl, season the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. If you want a very light crust that helps the sauce cling, toss the seasoned chicken with ¼ cup of all-purpose flour until lightly coated, shaking off any excess. This is a good trick for a slightly more substantial Garlic Butter Chicken recipe.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

1. Heat Fats: In a large skillet (cast iron works wonderfully here) over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The oil helps prevent the butter from burning too quickly.
2. Sear Chicken in Batches: Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. This is key for the best pan seared garlic butter chicken.
3. Cook Until Golden: Cook the chicken for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces.
4. Remove and Set Aside: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover loosely to keep warm.

Step 3: Create the Luscious Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic (and optional red pepper flakes). Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be very careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. This is a pivotal moment in your Garlic Butter Chicken recipe.
2. Deglaze (Optional but Recommended): If using, pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, about 1-2 minutes. This adds incredible depth. If not using wine, proceed to the next step with chicken broth.
3. Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld.
4. Finish with Lemon & Parsley: Stir in the fresh lemon juice (if using) and most of the chopped fresh parsley (reserve some for garnish). Season the sauce with the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve Your Masterpiece

1. Return Chicken to Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat all the chicken pieces with the luscious sauce. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes for the chicken to reheat and absorb some of the sauce flavors.
2. Serve Hot: Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken recipe immediately. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley. This dish is incredible served over fluffy rice, pasta (for a healthy garlic butter chicken and rice or pasta feel), creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce!

Wise Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken You’ve Ever Made

Unlock the secrets to perfecting this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe:

• Don’t Burn the Garlic! This is the golden rule. Sauté garlic over medium-low heat and stir constantly. Burnt garlic will ruin your sauce.
• Use Quality Butter: Since butter is a star ingredient, using good quality unsalted butter will make a difference in flavor. Unsalted allows you to control the seasoning.
• Fresh Garlic is Best: While garlic powder can be used in a pinch for seasoning the chicken, fresh minced garlic is essential for the sauce’s vibrant flavor in this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, cook it in batches if necessary. This ensures each piece gets nicely browned and doesn’t just steam.
• Scrape Up the Browned Bits (Fond): When you deglaze with wine or broth, those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan are packed with flavor. Make sure to scrape them up!
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving. It might need a tiny bit more salt, a squeeze more lemon, or a touch more pepper to make your Garlic Butter Chicken recipe perfect for your palate.
• Fresh Parsley Makes a Difference: While dried can be used in the sauce, fresh parsley for garnish adds brightness and a pop of color.

Delicious Variations to Explore

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: After the broth has simmered, stir in ¼ to ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the parsley and lemon juice for an even richer, creamy garlic butter chicken recipe. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Mushrooms: Add 8 oz of sliced cremini or button mushrooms to the skillet after removing the chicken. Sauté until browned before making the sauce.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach: Stir in a few large handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce at the end until just wilted.
• Lemon Herb Garlic Butter Chicken: Increase the lemon juice and add other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary along with the parsley.
• Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished sauce.
• Baked Version: While this is a skillet recipe, you could adapt it. Sear chicken, make the sauce, then pour over chicken in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and chicken is cooked. This could be a route to a healthy garlic butter chicken and rice casserole if you add rice to the dish.

Storing & Reheating Your Garlic Butter Goodness

Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful next-day meal!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave, though the chicken might not be as tender.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Your common questions about this savory delight:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be fantastic in this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe. They are naturally more tender and forgiving. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
2. What if I don’t want to use white wine?
   No problem! You can simply use an additional ¼ cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, or even just a squeeze of lemon juice with a bit of broth.
3. How do I make the sauce thicker if it seems too thin?
   If your sauce is thinner than you’d like, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce further. Alternatively, you can make a small cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and whisk it into the simmering sauce until thickened.
4. Is this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe keto-friendly or low-carb?
   As written (especially if you skip the optional flour for coating the chicken), it can be quite low-carb. Serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional starches to keep it keto-friendly.
5. What are the best side dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken?
   This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with anything that can soak up the delicious sauce! Think fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are also excellent choices.

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is truly a celebration of simple, high-impact flavors. It’s an easy garlic butter chicken skillet meal that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to create something truly memorable and satisfying. The rich, savory quick weeknight chicken with garlic butter sauce will have your family asking for this dish again and again.

I am so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the pure, unadulterated joy of perfect Garlic Butter Chicken. If you make it, please come back and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Did you serve it with rice, pasta, or something else? I love hearing your variations! Happy cooking!

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