If you are looking for a dinner that feels both comforting and elegant, this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is pure magic. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s subtly brightened with lemon and Italian herbs. Every bite is bursting with flavor and easy to make in just 30 minutes, which makes this dish a go-to favorite whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends. It’s a timeless recipe that brings warmth, satisfaction, and plenty of mouthwatering aromas to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe relies on a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich and flavorful dish. Each ingredient plays its part, whether to season the chicken perfectly, enrich the sauce, or add a fresh finishing touch.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy meat that soaks up all the buttery garlic goodness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a slight smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: For perfect searing and a touch of fruity richness.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: The heart of the sauce, delivering rich, creamy flavor in two stages for better layering.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the sauce with pungent and aromatic notes.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth, helping to create a silky sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity, balancing the richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Offers a fragrant mix of herbs that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note.
- Lemon wedges (optional for serving): A little extra zing if you love citrus on your chicken.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This simple rub brings basic seasoning and a touch of smoky flavor that will shine through after cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook each side for 5 to 7 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden brown crust and are cooked through. Then transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. This step locks in juices and creates that irresistible caramelized surface.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce your skillet’s heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This step is crucial for infusing the butter with deep garlic flavor that forms the sauce’s base.
Step 4: Add Liquids to Build Flavor
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring as you go. The broth gives body and moisture, while the lemon juice contributes bright acidity. Let this mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce reduces and thickens slightly.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the dried Italian seasoning. This enriches the sauce and smooths out its texture while infusing it with fragrant herbs to complement the garlic and lemon beautifully.
Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan
Place your golden chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the luscious garlic butter sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to soak up that irresistible sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the dish and offer lemon wedges on the side. These bright touches add freshness and appeal to every bite of this wonderful Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is the classic choice for this dish, providing a lovely herbal note and a splash of vibrant green color. Adding lemon wedges at the table invites anyone who loves a zesty lift to brighten their serving. These small garnishes transform the plate from simple to stunning.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice soak up the buttery sauce perfectly, while a simple green salad or roasted vegetables add balance and freshness. Even a crisp baguette can be welcome for sopping up every last bit of garlicky goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, arrange the chicken breasts on a large serving platter and drizzle generously with sauce. Scatter parsley and lemon slices on top for an inviting look. Alternatively, place each portion on a warm plate with sides artistically placed around it, showcasing the sauce and colorful garnishes. Presentation is a fun way to elevate this homey recipe into a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover garlic butter chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days and tastes great reheated for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe longer, freezing is a great option. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen chicken can last up to 3 months, making it a convenient meal prep option.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor retention. This way, the chicken remains moist and the sauce luscious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on thighs will add extra flavor and juiciness. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through and tender.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness of the dish, but if all you have is salted, just reduce the salt in the seasoning.
Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning?
Yes, fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano work wonderfully. Use about a tablespoon total, chopped finely, and add them at the end of cooking for a fresh burst.
What can I serve with this recipe for a low-carb meal?
Try pairing the chicken with steamed or roasted non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans for a healthy low-carb option.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked fully?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) or when juices run clear after slicing into the thickest part. The golden crust should be firm but not dry.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is a tried-and-true winner that brings warmth, flavor, and effortless elegance to any meal. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, sharing with friends and family who will ask for seconds each time. Give it a try and see how this simple recipe can turn an ordinary night into something truly special.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken recipe featuring juicy boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce & Cooking
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to infuse flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and dried Italian seasoning until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired for a fresh citrus boost.
Notes
- For best results, use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even cooking.
- Chicken breasts can be pound to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- You can substitute fresh Italian herbs for dried if available, adjusting quantity to taste.
- Serve with sides like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice to complete the meal.
- Can easily be doubled to serve more guests.
