Name: Garlic Butter Chicken for a Quick and Flavorful Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (pound to an even thickness); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for cooking); 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste); 1 tablespoon 21 Salute Seasoning or Poultry Seasoning (optional); 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (increase for extra richness); 4 cloves Garlic (minced); 1/2 cup White Wine or Chicken Broth (use broth for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (optional, chopped)

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As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the kitchen fills with a tantalizing aroma that can only mean one thing: it’s time for Garlic Butter Chicken! This quick meal transforms tender chicken into a savory delight, all thanks to a magical blend of garlic, butter, and optional white wine or broth. In just 15 minutes, you can create a delicious dinner that not only impresses but also satisfies your craving for comfort food. Whether you’re racing against the clock after a long day or simply want to whip up something tasty, this recipe is your secret weapon. Plus, with a gluten-free option, everyone can join in the feast. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this delectable dish? Let’s get cooking!

Why is Garlic Butter Chicken a Must-Try?

Quick and Easy: You’ll love how effortlessly this dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich, mouthwatering sauce that coats the tender chicken beautifully.

Adaptable Ingredients: Use white wine for a sophisticated twist or chicken broth for a family-friendly version.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This dish is sure to impress your family or guests, making it a great go-to for gatherings.

Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to complement the flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a show-stopping meal, Garlic Butter Chicken fits the bill.

Garlic Butter Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The star of the dish; pound to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Olive Oil – Essential for cooking the chicken; adds healthy fats and flavor.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances the natural flavors; adjust according to taste.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds a hint of heat; season to your preference.
• 21 Salute Seasoning or Poultry Seasoning – Boosts flavor depth; can be substituted with oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

For the Sauce
• Unsalted Butter – Creates the rich garlic butter sauce; can increase for extra richness.
• Garlic – This dish’s signature flavor; fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best result.
• White Wine or Chicken Broth – For deglazing and creating a sumptuous sauce; use chicken broth for a gluten-free option.

For Garnish
• Fresh Parsley (optional) – A touch of color and freshness on your plate; adds a delightful finish to the dish.

With just these Garlic Butter Chicken ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a quick and flavorful dinner that everyone will love!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken
Start by preheating your skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms, pat your boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and coat them lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with 21 Salute or poultry seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor. This step sets the foundation for your Garlic Butter Chicken.

Step 2: Sear Chicken
Once your skillet is hot and shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Sear the chicken undisturbed for about 5 minutes, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Resist the urge to move them around—this ensures perfect caramelization and flavor.

Step 3: Flip Chicken
After 5 minutes, gently flip the chicken breasts over using tongs. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The exterior should appear golden brown and slightly crispy, indicating that your Garlic Butter Chicken is nearly ready.

Step 4: Rest Chicken
Remove the perfectly cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm as it rests for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite of your Garlic Butter Chicken remains tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Deglaze Skillet
With your skillet still on medium-high heat, pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon, loosening any delicious brown bits that provide fantastic flavor. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced, perfecting the foundation for your savory sauce.

Step 6: Make Sauce
Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant—about 1 minute. This step transforms the simple deglazing liquid into a luscious garlic butter sauce, adding a delightful richness to your Garlic Butter Chicken that you won’t want to miss.

Step 7: Combine
Return the rested chicken to the skillet, gently coating it in the garlic butter sauce. Ensure each piece is well-glazed and allow it to heat for another minute in the pan. The chicken absorbs the aromatic flavors, elevating the dish into a satisfying meal that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Step 8: Serve
Finally, plate your Garlic Butter Chicken and pour any remaining sauce over the top. For a refreshing touch, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot, and consider pairing it with rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad to perfectly complement this rich and flavorful dish.

Make Ahead Options

Garlic Butter Chicken is a fantastic recipe for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors without the rush. You can marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and seasonings up to 24 hours in advance, which helps to deepen the flavor. The garlic butter sauce can also be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just remember to reheat it before serving to maintain its rich flavor. To finish your Garlic Butter Chicken, simply cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet for about 10 minutes, deglaze with wine or broth, add the prepared sauce, and warm it through. This way, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready in no time!

Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken

Even Thickness: Ensure your chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking. This prevents dry edges while keeping the center juicy.
Sear Undisturbed: Resist flipping the chicken too soon while searing; letting it cook uninterrupted creates a beautiful golden crust packed with flavor.
Fresh Garlic: Use fresh garlic for an authentic flavor boost. If you need to substitute with jarred minced garlic, adjust the quantity as it’s often stronger.
Deglaze Effectively: When deglazing, scraping the skillet well incorporates those flavorful brown bits into your sauce, enriching your Garlic Butter Chicken’s taste.
Vegetable Cooking: If adding vegetables, consider steaming them separately. This keeps the overall cooking time quick while ensuring everything is tender and delicious.
Storage Tips: Leftovers of Garlic Butter Chicken can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 5 days, making it a great option for meal prep!

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken

Transform your Garlic Butter Chicken into a delightful feast by pairing it with these wonderful side dishes and accompaniments.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery smoothness of mashed potatoes is the perfect complement, soaking up the rich garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Steamed Broccoli: A touch of green adds freshness and a satisfying crunch, balancing the rich flavors of the chicken while keeping the meal light.
Garlic Bread: Enhance the meal with crispy garlic bread that’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of that luscious garlic butter sauce.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with fresh vegetables offers a nutritious contrast, adding texture and a refreshing touch to each bite of savory chicken.
Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a classic pairing; the salad’s crunch complements the chicken’s juiciness brilliantly.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring a hint of caramelization and earthiness, making every bite a delightful experience.
Wine Suggestions: A chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the dish’s savory notes, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Lemon Sorbet: Finish on a refreshing note with lemon sorbet, cleansing the palate and providing a bright contrast to the savory main course.
Zucchini Noodles: For a fun twist, serve the chicken over zoodles; their lightness and slight crunch make them an excellent gluten-free side option.

How to Store and Freeze Garlic Butter Chicken

Fridge: Store your leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful for your next meal.

Freezer: If you want to save it for longer, freeze Garlic Butter Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months. Be sure to label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

Room Temperature: Avoid leaving Garlic Butter Chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Garlic Butter Chicken Variations & Substitutions

Ready to personalize your Garlic Butter Chicken? Let your culinary creativity flow with these delightful twists!

Chicken Thighs: Substitute breasts with thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
Herb Variations: Try Italian seasoning or fresh basil for a fragrant twist; it elevates the dish beautifully.
Garlic Infusion: Roast the garlic before adding to the sauce for a sweeter, milder flavor that’s absolutely delightful.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes during cooking for a hint of heat that brings the dish to life.
Creamy Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end to create a luscious, creamy garlic butter sauce with added richness.
Veggie Bonus: Toss in some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes right after deglazing for a colorful and nutritious boost.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic reduction over the finished dish for a tangy-sweet contrast that enhances the flavors.
Alternative Bases: Serve over quinoa or zoodles for a gluten-free option while maintaining that rich flavor profile.

Let your imagination guide you! As you explore options, don’t miss trying other exciting recipes like Honey Butter Chicken or Indian Butter Chicken for more delectable dinner ideas. The possibilities are endless, and each variation can transform your Garlic Butter Chicken into something uniquely yours. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for Garlic Butter Chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully in this recipe, as they cook quickly and remain tender. If you prefer, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.

How should I select my garlic for the recipe?
Fresh garlic is the star of Garlic Butter Chicken! Look for bulbs that are firm and free from sprouts or dark spots. The fresher the garlic, the more robust the flavor will be in your dish.

How do I store leftovers of Garlic Butter Chicken?
For sure! Store your leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. Just remember to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it up!

Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken?
Very much! You can freeze Garlic Butter Chicken for up to 4 months. Just place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure to label it with the date. For the best reheating results, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up in a skillet.

What should I do if my chicken is dry after cooking?
Oh no! If your chicken turns out dry, it may have been overcooked. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. Always remember to pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure consistent cooking.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken a gluten-free option?
Yes, indeed! If you use chicken broth instead of white wine, you can easily make Garlic Butter Chicken gluten-free. Just double-check that your broth is labeled gluten-free as some brands may contain gluten products.