Try This Savory Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Today

Crispy, golden chicken dripping with garlic butter has become a weeknight dinner sensation that promises instant comfort.

This mouthwatering garlic butter chicken recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Simple ingredients blend together to create a restaurant-worthy dish right in your kitchen.

Each tender piece of chicken emerges perfectly crisp and infused with rich, aromatic garlic butter.

The secret lies in the delicate balance of seasonings and precise cooking technique.

Salt, pepper, and a touch of herbs elevate this classic protein into something truly spectacular.

You’ll want to serve this irresistible chicken with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.

What Makes Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Delicious

• Simplified chicken tenderizing and breading process makes this recipe super approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Layered seasoning technique with salt, pepper, Parmesan, and garlic butter creates an explosion of delicious taste in every single bite.
• Air fryer method delivers restaurant-quality crispy chicken without complicated cooking techniques, cutting down total cooking time and effort dramatically.
• Perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or casual entertaining, this recipe adapts easily to different dietary preferences and serves as a guaranteed crowd-winner.

Ingredients for Crispy Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main star of this crispy, flavorful dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create the first layer of coating for the chicken.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides an extra crispy texture to the chicken coating.
• Italian Breadcrumbs: Adds additional seasoning and crunch to the breading.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a savory, nutty flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
• Avocado Oil Spray, Olive Oil Spray: Helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Butter: Creates a rich, luxurious coating for the cooked chicken.
• Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic flavor to the butter sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herb taste.
• Lemon: Brings a bright, tangy contrast to the rich chicken.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Crispy

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

Grab your chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board.

Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound them until they’re evenly flattened to about ½ inch thick.

This helps the chicken cook uniformly and become super tender.

Season both sides with salt and pepper, creating a flavor base that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Create Breading Station

• Flour in the first bowl
• Beaten eggs in the second bowl
• Mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese in the third bowl

Dip each chicken piece first in flour, then egg, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture.

Use your fingers to really pack those crispy crumbs onto the chicken.

Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Crispiness

Arrange chicken fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Spritz the tops with a light coating of avocado or olive oil spray.

Cook at 390°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through and giving another quick spray.

You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown exterior that’s crisp and inviting.

Step 4: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Sauté for about 30 seconds until the aroma fills your kitchen.

Be careful not to burn the garlic – you want it fragrant, not bitter.

Transfer the cooked chicken to the pan and lovingly spoon the buttery goodness over each piece, letting it soak in for a minute on each side.

Step 5: Add Final Flourishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness.

Squeeze a wedge of lemon on top to brighten up all those rich, buttery flavors.

The result?

A mouthwatering dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

• Gently pound chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry or tough spots.
• Press breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken using fingertips to create a thick, crispy coating that adheres perfectly during cooking.
• Arrange chicken in a single layer with space between pieces to guarantee maximum crispiness and even browning.
• Sauté minced garlic briefly to release flavor without burning, which can create a bitter taste that ruins the butter sauce.
• Finish dish with fresh parsley and lemon juice to add brightness and cut through the richness of the garlic butter chicken.

Store and Reheat Garlic Chicken Properly

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the chicken completely to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent further browning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, keeping the crispy coating intact.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to avoid overcooking and maintaining crispiness.

Garlic Butter Chicken Sides to Try

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich garlic butter and complements the crispy chicken's texture without overpowering its delicate flavors.
• Complementary Side Dish Recommendation: Prepare a light Mediterranean-style orzo salad with fresh herbs, diced cucumber, and lemon zest that echoes the chicken's bright notes and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the crispy, buttery protein.
• Zesty Sauce Enhancement: Whip up a quick lemon-herb aioli by mixing mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and fresh lemon juice to drizzle over the chicken, which adds an extra layer of tangy complexity and elevates the dish's overall flavor profile.
• Herbaceous Drink Companion: Serve with a sparkling water infused with fresh basil and lemon slices, offering a light, aromatic beverage that cleanses the palate between bites and mirrors the recipe's fresh herb garnish.

Crispy Garlic Chicken Flavor Twists

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko crumbs, ensuring the same crispy texture while accommodating wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining a crunchy coating for keto diet followers.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese, creating a lactose-free version that still delivers rich flavor.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the breadcrumb mixture, adding extra aromatic complexity to the classic chicken recipe.

FAQs

• Is air frying healthier than traditional deep frying?

Air frying requires significantly less oil, reducing overall calorie and fat content while still delivering a crispy texture similar to deep-frying. It’s a healthier cooking method that cuts down on excess grease.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Just ensure they’re similar in thickness and adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts.

• What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake the breaded chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The key is to use a wire rack on a baking sheet to help achieve a crispy exterior.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy without overcooking.

Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Garlic butter chicken elevates weeknight dinners with its irresistible golden crust and rich, savory flavor profile. Rich pan-seared chicken meets silky butter sauce, promising a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (907 grams), cut in half horizontally to make 4 fillets
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Spices:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• Avocado or olive oil spray
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by gently pounding breasts between plastic wrap until uniformly ½ inch thick, ensuring balanced cooking texture. Season thoroughly with salt and pepper on both surfaces to establish foundational flavor profile.
2. Create three-stage dredging station: First bowl containing flour, second bowl with beaten eggs, third bowl mixing panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Carefully coat each chicken piece by first dusting with flour, submerging in egg wash, then firmly pressing breadcrumb mixture onto surface.
3. Arrange breaded chicken fillets in single layer within air fryer basket, maintaining spacing between pieces. Lightly mist tops with oil spray. Activate air fryer at 390°F, cooking approximately 10-12 minutes. Rotate chicken midway through cooking, applying additional oil spray to promote golden crispiness.
4. During final cooking moments, melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic, sautéing briefly until aromatic—approximately 30 seconds. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Transfer crisp chicken directly into garlic butter, allowing each side to absorb rich, savory essence for one minute.
5. Complete dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and squeezing lemon juice, introducing vibrant, zesty counterpoint to rich, crispy chicken.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry, tough meat.
• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin with gentle, consistent pressure to flatten chicken breasts without tearing.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create crispier texture.
• Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, even coating that locks in moisture.
• Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation and achieve maximum crispiness.
• Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption using a meat thermometer.
• Use high-smoke-point oils like avocado or olive oil spray for better browning and crisp results.
• Sauté garlic briefly to prevent burning and maintain its sweet, aromatic flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 170mg