Garlic Butter Chicken: The Easiest, Most Delicious Recipe EVER!

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken is pure comfort on a plate! This recipe is inspired by those cozy weeknight dinners where deliciousness meets simplicity. I remember my grandmother making something similar, and the aroma alone made me feel instantly at home. This version takes that classic comfort food and elevates it with a rich garlic butter sauce that will have everyone licking their plates. Yes, it is that good! If you are looking for the perfect meal to make any night of the week, then this Garlic Butter Chicken is exactly what you need. This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe will have you ditching takeout menus. Come take a look!

Why You Will Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

This Garlic Butter Chicken is a comforting hug in food form. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for a weekend dinner party. Moreover, the garlicky buttery flavor is absolutely irresistible! And the ease of preparation means you can focus on enjoying your time, not slaving away in the kitchen. I think what makes it so special is the perfectly seared chicken coated in that velvety sauce. It’s truly the best of both worlds: simple ingredients with a gourmet taste. For another satisfying chicken dish, check out my recipe for Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!

Ingredients Needed for This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
• Butter: 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
• Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste

How to Make This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Add the remaining butter and olive oil to the skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has slightly reduced.
5. Add Cream and Thyme: Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Return Chicken to Skillet: Add the seared chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or your favorite side dish.

How to Serve This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. I love pairing it with fluffy rice to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. Alternatively, you can serve it over pasta like linguine or fettuccine for a richer, more indulgent meal. For a lighter option, try serving it with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens up the dish and adds an extra layer of flavor. For a great side, consider Recipes For Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

How to Store This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

If you have any leftovers then good for you! To store Garlic Butter Chicken, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, make sure to use a freezer safe container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

Tips to Make This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half and half or even milk, although the sauce won’t be as rich. For a dairy free option, use coconut cream. You can also use dried Italian seasoning instead of dried thyme.
• Success Tips: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken; this will help it brown properly. Patting the chicken dry before searing is also crucial for achieving a good sear.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can make the sauce bitter. Keep a close eye on it while cooking, and reduce the heat if necessary.
• Pro Tips for Best Results: Using high quality butter will make a difference in the flavor of the sauce. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Helpful Notes for This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

The garlic butter sauce is the star of this dish, so use fresh, high quality garlic for the best flavor. Don’t be shy with the garlic! Also make sure that the chicken is cooked all the way through. I typically use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. I use a 12 inch cast iron skillet. Its large surface area and even heat distribution is ideal for searing the chicken but any large skillet will work.

Variation of This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Seasonal Twists: In the spring, add some fresh asparagus to the skillet along with the chicken. In the fall, try adding some sautéed mushrooms and a splash of dry sherry to the sauce.
• Optional Versions: For a creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce at the end. For a healthier version, use olive oil instead of butter, in that case you may want to experiment with the Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders!
• Creative Modifications: Add sun dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh basil instead of parsley. Serve over mashed potatoes instead of rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those recipes that will quickly become a family favorite. It is so easy to throw together and it is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Give this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe a try tonight and let me know what you think in the comments below!

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Garlic Butter Chicken: The Easiest, Most Delicious Recipe EVER!

Tender chicken pieces seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 450
Protein: 40g
Carbs: 8g
Fat: 30g

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the remaining butter and olive oil to the skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has slightly reduced.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Add the seared chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or your favorite side dish.

Notes

• For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Using high quality butter will make a difference in the flavor of the sauce. Serve over rice, pasta, or your favorite side dish.