The Best Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe for Your Family Dinner

Succulent garlic butter chicken emerges as a mouthwatering culinary adventure that promises pure comfort.

Aromas wafting from your kitchen will instantly captivate everyone nearby.

Home cooks adore this simple yet elegant dish that comes together effortlessly.

Tender chicken pieces bathed in rich, creamy butter sauce create an irresistible main course.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor without complicated techniques or extensive preparation time.

Seasonal herbs and fresh garlic transform an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delightful recipe.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Tastes So Good

• Savor Simplicity: This recipe offers a straightforward cooking process that even novice home chefs can master with confidence.
• Boost Flavor Quickly: The combination of spices and garlic butter creates an intense, mouth-watering taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using just a few pantry staples, you can create a delicious dish that feels gourmet without requiring complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, special dinners, or when you want a protein-packed meal that impresses family and friends with minimal effort.

Everything You Need For Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the main protein of the dish and absorbs the rich seasonings and butter.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Parsley, Paprika: A blend of spices that adds depth, warmth, and a subtle complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh, aromatic ingredient that provides a pungent and intense flavor to the butter sauce.
• Butter: Rich, golden fat that creates a smooth, luxurious coating and helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear on the chicken.
• Fresh Lemon: Bright, citrusy juice that adds a zesty freshness and helps balance the richness of the butter.
• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that provides a crisp, green garnish and adds a light, herbal note to the finished dish.

How To Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. This ensures even seasoning and helps achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior.

Step 2: Create Seasoning Blend

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried parsley
• Paprika

Generously coat each chicken breast with the spice mixture, pressing the seasonings gently into the meat.

Step 3: Crush Fresh Garlic

Mince garlic cloves into tiny, uniform pieces. Finely chopped garlic will release maximum flavor during cooking.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Surface

Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. The pan should be hot enough to create a sizzling sound when ingredients are added.

Step 5: Melt Butter

Add butter to the heated skillet. Allow it to melt completely and develop a light golden color with slight foaming around the edges.

Step 6: Cook Chicken

Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the bubbling butter. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Add Garlic Flavor

During the final minute of cooking, scatter minced garlic around the chicken. Let the garlic become fragrant and develop a light golden color.

Step 8: Rest The Chicken

Transfer chicken to a clean plate. Allow it to rest for 3-4 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain tender, juicy meat.

Step 9: Finish With Bright Flavors

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a vibrant, zesty finish.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Plate the chicken while the garlic butter sauce remains warm and aromatic. Enjoy the delicious, golden-brown chicken with its rich, herb-infused flavor.

Kitchen Tips For Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Dry Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels to help seasoning stick and create beautiful golden-brown surfaces.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Mix salt, pepper, parsley, and paprika in a small bowl to create a well-balanced, deeply seasoned coating for the chicken.
• Master Garlic Technique: Mince garlic cloves finely to release maximum flavor and ensure even distribution throughout the dish.
• Control Skillet Heat: Preheat pan over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes to guarantee proper searing and prevent chicken from sticking.
• Rest for Juiciness: Allow cooked chicken to rest 3-4 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain tender, moist meat.

Easy Spins On Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace dried parsley with fresh thyme and rosemary for an earthy, aromatic flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Style: Add crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives after cooking for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute butter with olive oil and use ghee for a dairy-free alternative that maintains rich flavor.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix for those who enjoy heat.

Great Sides For Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the garlic butter's richness and chicken's delicate flavor profile.
• Herb-Enhancing Side Companion: Serve roasted asparagus or garlic-roasted fingerling potatoes to mirror the dish's herbaceous notes and buttery undertones.
• Texture-Balancing Salad Partner: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the chicken's richness and provide a fresh, peppery contrast.
• Aromatic Bread Complement: Offer warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the remaining garlic butter sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.

How To Keep Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, where they'll stay good for up to 3 months.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing dryness.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and restore original juiciness.

Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Why is patting the chicken dry important?

Drying chicken removes excess moisture, helping seasonings stick better and allowing the meat to brown evenly and develop a delicious golden crust.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

• Can I use other herbs instead of parsley?

Yes, you can substitute dried parsley with herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to create different flavor profiles while maintaining a similar seasoning technique.

• What type of skillet works best for this recipe?

A heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast iron skillet is ideal because it distributes heat evenly and helps achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior on the chicken.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with rich, silky sauce. Crispy golden edges and herbal notes promise a delightful dinner you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup butter

Seasoning:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 lemon (for squeezing)

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and even browning.
2. Combine salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and paprika in a small bowl, then generously coat each chicken breast with the spice mixture.
3. Mince garlic cloves finely, creating a fragrant and intense flavor base for the dish.
4. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat for approximately 2-3 minutes until surface is thoroughly heated.
5. Melt butter in the skillet, allowing it to become slightly foamy and develop a rich golden color.
6. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot butter, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle minced garlic around the chicken, allowing it to become fragrant and lightly toasted.
8. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-4 minutes to redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture.
9. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
10. Serve immediately while the garlic butter sauce remains warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Create a flavor-packed spice blend by grinding whole spices fresh for more intense and vibrant taste compared to pre-ground seasonings.
• Adjust heat to medium-low if chicken browns too quickly to prevent burning while ensuring thorough internal cooking.
• Transform this recipe into a low-carb or keto-friendly option by using ghee instead of butter and adding extra herbs for enhanced flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg