The Juiciest Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Succulent chicken takes a delightful turn with this garlic butter chicken recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

Tender pieces of meat sizzle in a rich, aromatic sauce that captures every flavor profile.

The combination of golden-brown chicken and velvety butter creates an irresistible meal that beckons everyone to the table.

Garlic infuses each bite with its robust, tantalizing essence, making this dish a standout in home cooking.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, transforming an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Each forkful delivers a burst of savory goodness that will have you craving more.

FAQs

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great and can be even more flavorful and tender. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might cook faster than breasts.

• Is this recipe considered low-carb or keto-friendly?

Absolutely! This garlic butter chicken is perfect for low-carb and keto diets since it’s high in protein and fat with zero carbohydrates.

• How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. This will help create a more rich and creamy consistency.

All About That Garlic Butter Chicken Flavor

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this chicken recipe comes together in under 20 minutes with minimal prep work.
• Savor Rich Flavors: Garlic butter sauce creates an incredibly luxurious coating that transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish bursting with mouthwatering taste.
• Master with Ease: Beginner cooks can confidently prepare this recipe, requiring just basic cooking skills and standard kitchen ingredients for a foolproof meal.
• Versatile Meal Option: Pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, making it an adaptable main course for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Must-Have Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts of white meat that serve as the primary protein for this flavorful dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Oils that provide rich flavor and help create a golden-brown exterior on the chicken while adding depth to the sauce.

• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that brings aromatic depth and a classic savory taste to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.

• Chicken Broth: A liquid that helps create a delicious pan sauce and adds moisture to the chicken.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that provides a bright, green finishing touch to the dish.

Directions for Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Season both sides of chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.

Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes smooth and starts to shimmer.

Add freshly minced garlic and sauté until the kitchen fills with an aromatic fragrance, which typically takes about 1 minute.

Step 4: Build Flavorful Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, allowing it to simmer gently.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits clinging to the bottom of the pan, which will enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return chicken breasts to the skillet, generously coating them with the rich garlic butter sauce.

Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and fresh herbal note.

Serve immediately while the dish is hot and sauce is luxuriously smooth.

Tips for a Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Result

• Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature; chicken is done at 165°F to ensure juicy, tender meat without drying out.
• Toast minced garlic briefly in butter to release deeper, nuttier flavors without burning, creating a more complex sauce.
• Let chicken rest in the garlic butter sauce for a few extra minutes to help it soak up the rich, aromatic elements.
• Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil for dairy-free version; use gluten-free chicken broth for those with gluten sensitivities.

Different Ways to Spice Up Garlic Butter Chicken

• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Coat chicken with a mixture of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano before cooking for an aromatic flavor boost.
• Lemon Garlic Variation: Add fresh lemon zest and juice to the garlic butter sauce for a bright, citrusy profile that cuts through the richness.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Replace chicken broth with heavy cream and use grass-fed butter to create a more keto-friendly sauce while maintaining rich flavors.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to accommodate dairy-free dietary needs.

How to Plate Garlic Butter Chicken

• Perfect Plate Partners: Creamy mashed potatoes absorb the delicious garlic butter sauce beautifully, creating a comforting meal.
• Fresh Veggie Companions: Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans provide a crisp, light contrast to the rich chicken, balancing the dish perfectly.
• Carb Lovers' Choice: Buttery rice or crusty bread work wonderfully for soaking up the extra garlic butter sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
• Wine Pairing Magic: A crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio complements the garlic butter's richness, elevating the entire dining experience.

Keeping Garlic Butter Chicken for Leftovers

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is cooled completely before sealing.
• Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between rounds.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with irresistible charm. Crispy golden edges and rich herbed butter create a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped, or 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage on both surfaces.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for 6 minutes until a rich golden-brown crust forms.
4. Flip chicken and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes, verifying internal temperature reaches 165°F for complete doneness.
5. Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a clean plate, allowing it to rest momentarily.
6. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and melt butter, quickly introducing minced garlic.
7. Sauté garlic for 45-60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
8. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to dislodge caramelized cooking remnants from the pan’s bottom.
9. Gently reintroduce chicken to the bubbling sauce, spooning liquid generously over each piece.
10. Allow chicken to simmer in garlic butter sauce for 2-3 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize.
11. Remove from heat and optionally garnish with fresh, finely chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is evenly seasoned by patting dry before adding salt and pepper to help create a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Achieve tender, juicy chicken by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F without overcooking.
• Customize the dish by substituting butter with olive oil for a lighter version or using ghee for a lactose-free alternative.
• Elevate flavor by adding lemon zest or white wine to the garlic butter sauce for extra depth and brightness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg