Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe to add to your weeknight dinner rotation, you’ve found it! This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe combines succulent, juicy chicken with the richness of garlic butter to create a dish that everyone will love. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will make you feel like a pro. Be sure to read the entire article to learn all the tips, tricks, and techniques to make this dish perfect every time!

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What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a savory dish that highlights the bold, rich flavor of garlic paired with tender, juicy chicken cooked in a buttery sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, as it requires minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor. Garlic butter enhances the chicken's natural taste and makes it irresistibly moist and tender. This dish is often served with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal.

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Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delectable dish:

1. Chicken Breasts or Thighs: 4 medium-sized, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. (You can use skin-on chicken for extra flavor, but boneless works perfectly for ease.)
2. Butter: ⅓ cup of unsalted butter (about 5 tablespoons). The butter is the heart of the sauce and adds richness to the dish.
3. Garlic: 6-8 cloves of fresh garlic, finely minced. Garlic is the star of the recipe, giving the dish its signature flavor.
4. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil for searing the chicken to a golden brown.
5. Chicken Broth: ½ cup of chicken broth, which helps create a silky sauce and adds depth to the flavor.
6. Lemon Juice: Juice from half a lemon (about 2 tablespoons) for a touch of acidity that brightens up the flavors.
7. Fresh Herbs: A tablespoon of fresh parsley or thyme, chopped. This adds a lovely fresh note to the rich dish.
8. Salt and Pepper: Season the chicken to taste.
9. Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A pinch for some heat, if desired.

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Substitutions and Variations for Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a flexible recipe, and there are several ways to tailor it to your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Substitute Chicken: If you prefer dark meat, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. You can even use bone-in chicken for a more flavorful result, though the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
• Add Veggies: For a one-pan meal, consider adding vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or spinach to the dish during the final few minutes of cooking.
• Swap Herbs: While parsley is the traditional herb used in Garlic Butter Chicken, you can easily swap it for thyme, rosemary, or even cilantro, depending on what you have on hand.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a vegan butter substitute or olive oil if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Creamy Version: For a richer sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end to create a creamy garlic butter sauce.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple instructions to make Garlic Butter Chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes per side). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Return Chicken to the Pan: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the garlic butter sauce over the top.
6. Finish Cooking: Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is fully cooked through.
7. Garnish: Once done, sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using.

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How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken is straightforward, but mastering a few techniques can take your dish from good to outstanding.

• Searing the Chicken: Searing the chicken at the beginning locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust. Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken.
• Not Overcooking the Garlic: Garlic can quickly go from fragrant to burnt, which will make it taste bitter. When cooking garlic, keep an eye on the heat and stir constantly.
• Simmering the Sauce: Once you add the chicken broth and lemon juice, allow the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly. This intensifies the flavors and helps create a thicker, more luscious sauce.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Chicken: One of the most common mistakes is overcooking the chicken, making it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches exactly 165°F.
2. Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can ruin the flavor of the dish. Keep an eye on the heat and remove the pan from heat if necessary while cooking the garlic.
3. Not Letting the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender.
4. Skipping the Lemon Juice: The acidity of the lemon juice is crucial to balancing the richness of the butter. Don’t skip it!

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can make a good dish look spectacular, and Garlic Butter Chicken is no exception. Here’s how to serve and present your dish in the best possible way:

1. On a Bed of Rice or Pasta: Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or pasta. The sauce will soak into these sides, making every bite extra flavorful.
2. With a Side of Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or spinach complement the richness of the dish.
3. Serve Family-Style: For a more casual dinner, place the skillet directly on the table and let everyone serve themselves.
4. Elegant Plating: For a more refined presentation, slice the chicken into medallions and drizzle the sauce over the top. Garnish with a few extra parsley leaves for a pop of color.

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How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish, suitable for any meal. You can serve it for a cozy family dinner or dress it up for a more formal occasion.

• Weeknight Dinner: Keep it simple by serving Garlic Butter Chicken with a side of rice or potatoes and some steamed vegetables.
• Entertaining Guests: If you’re serving this dish for guests, consider pairing it with a light white wine and adding a salad or roasted asparagus on the side for an elegant touch.
• Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it ideal for meal prep. You can store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and serve!

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Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Rustic Look: For a casual, rustic presentation, serve the chicken directly from the skillet and sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish.
• Elegant Plating: For a fancier presentation, slice the chicken breast into thick slices, fan them out on a plate, and drizzle with the garlic butter sauce. Add a sprig of thyme or rosemary on the side for garnish.
• Family Style: Serve the chicken on a large platter, surrounded by your sides, with the sauce drizzled generously over everything.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Garlic: Always use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic in a jar won’t provide the same aromatic punch.
• Don’t Skimp on the Butter: The butter is what makes this dish so rich and flavorful. If you’re trying to cut down on fat, you can reduce the amount slightly, but don’t omit it entirely.
• Make Extra Sauce: The sauce is the star of the show, so don’t be afraid to double the quantities if you like extra sauce to pour over your sides.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe, and they tend to be more forgiving as they stay moist even if slightly overcooked.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it in the sauce on the stovetop.

Q: How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
A: You can add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for an extra depth of flavor.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick, easy, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today, and enjoy the rich, garlicky flavors in every bite!

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