Garlic Butter Chicken

If you’re searching for a dish that combines rich flavors, simple ingredients, and quick preparation time, look no further than garlic butter chicken. This delightful recipe delivers juicy chicken breasts bathed in a creamy garlic sauce that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. The key to this dish lies in its buttery sauce infused with aromatic garlic, transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this garlic butter chicken recipe has got you covered! In just about 30 minutes, you can serve up this savory delight alongside your favorite sides. So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in this mouthwatering dish!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
  • Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish
  • Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken
  • Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to keep the dish balanced in flavor

For the Sauce:

  • Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness

End with: “The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.”

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Pan

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil along with some butter and let it melt until it starts bubbling.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While the pan heats up, season your boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Once hot enough, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

After removing the chicken from the skillet, add more butter along with minced garlic. Sauté for approximately one minute until fragrant but be cautious not to burn it.

Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in some chicken broth along with soy sauce into the skillet while scraping up any browned bits from earlier cooking. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Return Chicken to Skillet

Add back the seared chicken breasts into the sauce and cook for an additional few minutes until they are fully cooked through.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

  • Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
  • Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
  • Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the ingredients overnight

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

  • Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
  • Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare garlic butter sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Simply mix the minced garlic, butter, and any herbs you like, then store it in an airtight container. This saves time when you’re ready to cook.
  • Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Ensure you label the bag with the date for easy reference.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on a low setting in short intervals until hot.

Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is crucial for making Garlic Butter Chicken. Fresh garlic, herbs, and chicken will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Avoid using pre-minced garlic or frozen chicken if possible. These ingredients can lose their natural flavors and aromas over time. Instead, buy fresh garlic cloves, and opt for high-quality chicken breasts or thighs. This simple switch can elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary, providing a rich and savory taste that will impress your family and friends.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Overcooking the chicken is one of the common mistakes when preparing Garlic Butter Chicken. When chicken is cooked too long, it becomes dry and tough, losing its juicy texture. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces, so keep a close eye on them as they cook. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

Balance the Garlic Flavor

While garlic is essential in Garlic Butter Chicken, balancing its flavor is crucial. Too much garlic can overpower other ingredients and make the dish unpalatable. Start with a moderate amount of minced garlic—about three to four cloves should be sufficient for a standard recipe. You can always add more if desired but do so gradually. Additionally, complementing garlic with herbs like thyme or parsley can create a well-rounded flavor profile that enhances your dish.

Choose the Right Butter

Not all butter is created equal when making Garlic Butter Chicken. Selecting high-quality unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in your recipe better. Unsalted butter also provides a rich base that complements garlic without overwhelming it. If you want to add depth to your sauce, consider using European-style butter, which has a higher fat content and creamier texture. This choice enhances the overall richness of your Garlic Butter Chicken.

FAQs

FAQs

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with various sides that complement its rich flavors. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition while balancing out the meal’s richness. A fresh salad can also provide a refreshing contrast to the buttery chicken. These sides make for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Garlic Butter Chicken in advance! To do this effectively, cook the chicken as directed and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on low heat in a skillet to avoid drying out the chicken. You may need to add a splash of broth or extra butter to revive its moisture and flavor during reheating.

How do I store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken?

To store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken properly, allow it to cool down completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months if you want longer storage options. When reheating leftovers, always ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving again for safety reasons.

Can I substitute other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can substitute other proteins such as shrimp or fish for a different twist on flavors and textures in Garlic Butter Sauce. Just adjust cooking times accordingly; shrimp typically cooks faster than chicken while fish fillets vary based on thickness but generally require less time as well.

Conclusion

In summary, mastering Garlic Butter Chicken involves selecting fresh ingredients, avoiding overcooking, balancing flavors, and choosing quality butter for an exceptional dish. By following these suggestions, you can create a deliciously rich meal that pleases everyone at your table. Remember to serve it alongside complementary sides like rice or vegetables for an unforgettable dining experience. Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment with different proteins or customize your recipe according to personal preferences while keeping those key points in mind! Enjoy making this delightful dish!

 

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Garlic Butter Chicken


  • Author: Cecilia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful, creamy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich garlic-infused butter sauce. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. The buttery sauce coats the juicy chicken, enhancing its flavor and making every bite irresistible. Pair this dish with rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will please everyone at the table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter until melted.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Sear them in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  5. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another few minutes until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  6. Serve hot drizzled with sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider marinating your chicken in lemon juice or herbs before cooking.- Substitute chicken with shrimp or fish for a different take on this recipe.

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Cecilia

Pro Chef & Blogger

Welcome to my culinary corner, where passion meets the plate! I’m a chef with a love for creating delicious and inspiring dishes. Here, I’ll share my best recipes, tips, and tricks to help you bring a taste of magic into your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find something to ignite your passion for cooking. Join me on this flavorful journey and let’s make every meal memorable. Happy cooking.

Cecilia