Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Every Family Loves

Succulent garlic butter chicken emerges as a culinary masterpiece that promises incredible flavor in every single bite.

Aromas waft through kitchens, signaling a meal worth savoring.

Tender meat transforms with rich, melted butter and robust garlic notes that dance across taste buds.

Simple ingredients combine into something magnificently delicious.

Each forkful promises comfort and satisfaction beyond ordinary dinner experiences.

Weeknight meals just became something special you can’t wait to create.

This dish will make everyone at the table cheer with delight.

Reasons To Enjoy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

  • Rapid Weeknight Rescue: Whip up this delicious garlic butter chicken in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a quick, satisfying meal.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses simple pantry staples like butter, garlic, and basic spices, making this recipe budget-friendly and accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort, creating juicy chicken breasts infused with rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce that will impress everyone at the dinner table.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Eliminates multiple dish cleanup with a streamlined cooking process that uses the same pan from start to finish, saving time and reducing kitchen mess.

Garlic Butter Chicken Parts List

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the main protein, boneless and skinless for easy preparation and quick cooking.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Dried Thyme: Classic spice combination that adds depth and warmth to the chicken, enhancing overall flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural taste of the chicken and balancing the seasonings.
Fat and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and helps create a golden-brown exterior, allows better control of saltiness.
  • Fresh Garlic: Adds intense, aromatic flavor and brings a sharp, pungent note to the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that brings a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to the finished dish.

Garlic Butter Chicken Quick Method

Step 1: Prep Chicken for Flavor Explosion

Massage the chicken breasts with a delightful blend of:
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Ensure each piece is completely coated with the spice mix for maximum taste excitement.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drop in butter.

Watch it melt and create a golden cooking surface.

Gently place chicken breasts into the skillet.

Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown color develops and chicken is completely cooked through.

Once done, transfer chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet where chicken was cooked, add remaining butter.

Toss in freshly minced garlic and let it dance and sizzle.

Sauté for 1-2 minutes until an incredible aromatic fragrance fills your kitchen.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken with Garlic Butter

Return chicken to the skillet.

Lovingly spoon the garlic butter sauce over each piece.

Let the chicken simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Plate and serve immediately while hot and delicious.

Garlic Butter Chicken Made Like A Kitchen Pro

  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices stick better and create a crispier exterior.
  • Use medium-low heat when sautéing garlic to prevent burning and maintain a rich, nutty flavor without bitterness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
  • Swap butter with olive oil or ghee for dairy-free options, maintaining the recipe's delicious taste profile.
  • Sprinkle extra chopped parsley just before serving to add a fresh, vibrant color and subtle herbaceous touch.

Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Tips

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to maintain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
  • Always cover chicken while reheating and check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety and optimal taste.

Garlic Chicken Soup Side Ideas

  • Pair With Crisp Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay complements the rich garlic butter sauce, enhancing the chicken's delicate flavors with its smooth oak undertones.
  • Serve With Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus provides a fresh, green contrast to the savory chicken, adding nutritional balance and a subtle earthy crunch.
  • Match With Garlic Herb Rice: Fluffy herb-infused rice soaks up the delicious garlic butter sauce, creating a harmonious side dish that amplifies the chicken's main flavor profile.
  • Select Crusty Artisan Bread: Warm, crusty bread becomes the perfect vehicle for mopping up the remaining garlic butter sauce, ensuring no delicious drop goes to waste.

Garlic Butter Chicken Refreshes

  • Low-Sodium Version: Replace salt with herbs like thyme or rosemary and use unsalted butter to reduce sodium content while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil and use nutritional yeast for a similar umami taste that keeps the dish creamy and satisfying.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for higher fat content, and add extra butter with crushed garlic to enhance ketogenic macronutrient profile.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and verify that paprika and garlic powder do not contain any wheat-based additives.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly. They’re often juicier and can be a great alternative if you prefer darker meat or want more flavor.

  • How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part to ensure it’s safe to eat.

  • What type of butter works best for this recipe?

Use unsalted butter for better control of the salt level. A high-quality butter will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your seasonings and butter are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Garlic Butter Chicken delivers a symphony of rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy golden edges and tender meat make this classic dish a comforting masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Butter and Aromatics:

  • 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup or 56 grams) unsalted butter, divided
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken breasts with a robust blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coating across the entire surface.
  2. Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature, allowing 2 tablespoons of butter to melt and create a golden cooking surface.
  3. Carefully position seasoned chicken breasts into the bubbling butter, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior for approximately 5-6 minutes per side until thoroughly cooked.
  4. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and juiciness.
  5. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce remaining butter and immediately add finely chopped garlic, releasing its aromatic essence through gentle sautéing for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Gently reintroduce the cooked chicken into the fragrant garlic butter sauce, delicately basting each piece to ensure complete flavor integration.
  7. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
  8. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the chicken for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
  9. Serve immediately while the garlic butter sauce remains warm and lustrous.

Notes

  • Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
  • Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter version or use ghee for a lactose-free alternative without compromising rich flavor.
  • For added nutrition, sprinkle some nutritional yeast over the chicken to create a protein-packed, slightly cheesy taste that complements the garlic butter sauce.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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