If you are looking for a dish that combines irresistible crunch with rich, buttery garlic flavor, the Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe could quickly become your new favorite. This recipe brings together tender chicken breasts coated in a perfect crispy crust, then bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s brightened with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or serving guests, this dish promises straightforward ingredients and simple steps that yield stunning results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe uses a handful of basic ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the golden crispy coating created by the seasoned flour to the fragrant garlic butter sauce that finishes the dish, every component is essential to achieving that perfect balance.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Slice these into cutlets for quick, even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the crispy crust when combined with seasonings, creating that irresistible texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and seasoning blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat in the coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a gentle smoky undertone and a warm, inviting hue.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic flavor even before the buttery garlic sauce.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Ideal for frying the chicken to a golden crisp without overpowering the flavor.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Key to making the rich garlic butter sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds vibrant aroma and irresistible flavor to the butter sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of green color.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the buttery sauce with a hint of citrus that balances richness perfectly.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Begin by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, transforming them into thinner cutlets. This step ensures that each piece cooks evenly and quickly, helping to lock in moisture while creating more surface area to develop that coveted crispy crust.
Step 2: Season and Dredge the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Coat each chicken cutlet lightly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping. This seasoned coating is the foundation for the perfect crispy exterior.
Step 3: Pan-Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the coated chicken cutlets, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan—this helps maintain the oil’s temperature for crispiness. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until beautifully golden and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add the butter to the same skillet. As it melts, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—be careful not to burn it. Then add the lemon juice and fresh parsley, stirring to combine this vibrant, buttery sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce generously over each piece. Let the chicken soak up the flavors for a minute, then serve immediately to preserve every bit of that wonderful crispiness and buttery garlic goodness.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges can elevate the presentation and add a burst of freshness. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra garlic butter can also impress at the table.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or vibrant roasted vegetables. These sides complement the dish’s rich flavors without competing, making for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the chicken cutlets over a bed of wilted spinach or alongside a bright arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. You can also slice the chicken and serve it as a protein-packed addition to grain bowls or warm wraps, offering great versatility for any mealtime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe, let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the chicken remains delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Chicken prepared this way can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to revive the crispiness and warm the garlic butter sauce. Alternatively, warming briefly in a microwave works but may soften the crispy coating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs are often thicker and may require a few more minutes to cook through.
Is this Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
If you substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can easily make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing the crispy texture.
What’s the best way to get the chicken extra crispy?
Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken and avoid overcrowding it; cooking in batches is key. Patting the chicken dry before dredging also helps the coating adhere better and crisp up more.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance, but it’s best served warm and freshly spooned over the chicken for peak flavor and texture.
What should I serve with this chicken for a complete meal?
Pair this chicken with mashed potatoes or a light salad for a balanced plate. Roasted vegetables or steamed greens also add color and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe, it will become your go-to for a quick yet incredibly flavorful dinner. The blend of crispy, buttery, and garlicky notes makes every bite a joy, and the simple ingredients mean you can whip it up any night of the week. Give it a shot, and get ready to impress yourself and everyone at your table!
Print
Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe offers tender, golden-brown chicken breasts coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, the chicken is pan-fried until crispy and finished with a fresh lemon parsley garlic butter drizzle that elevates every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Cooking and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets for even cooking and crispiness.
- Coat Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid sogginess.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken cutlets and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add butter to the skillet and melt it. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to the melted garlic butter, combining well.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over each piece. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
