Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

When golden-brown garlic butter chicken sizzles in a skillet, every home cook’s culinary dreams come alive.

Tender, juicy chicken breasts dance with rich, aromatic garlic butter that promises an incredible meal.

The magic happens when simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same with this mouthwatering recipe.

butter melts into a silky sauce that coats each perfectly seasoned chicken piece.

Home chefs can quickly master this restaurant-quality dish with just a few pantry staples.

One bite promises to transport you straight to flavor paradise.

What Makes Garlic Butter Chicken Amazing

• Requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks of all experience levels who want restaurant-quality taste at home.
• Easily adaptable with different herbs, spices, or protein options, allowing you to transform this basic recipe into your own signature dish without complicated techniques.
• Creates a gourmet-looking meal that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, yet is simple enough for anyone to execute with confidence and minimal kitchen equipment.

What You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the foundation of this delicious dish.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: A flavorful mix that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's taste profile.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.
• Chicken Broth or Wine: Creates a flavorful base for deglazing the pan and building the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky, luxurious sauce that coats the chicken.

• Garlic: Brings a sharp, aromatic flavor that intensifies the overall taste of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh color and a subtle herbal note to the finished chicken.

Cooking Instructions for Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Tenderize Chicken

Gently pound chicken breasts to create an even thickness.

Sprinkle both sides with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Ensure every inch gets a generous coating of seasonings for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for five minutes.

This allows a beautiful golden crust to develop.

Flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional five minutes, adjusting time for thicker pieces.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Let the liquid bubble and reduce slightly, concentrating the rich flavors.

Step 4: Craft Decadent Sauce

Drop butter into the skillet and watch it melt into the broth.

Add minced garlic and stir, allowing the aromatics to infuse the sauce.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible fragrance that makes mouths water.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Turn off the heat and return chicken to the skillet.

Lovingly coat each piece with the garlicky butter sauce.

For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top.

Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and sauce is bubbling.

Tips to Nail Garlic Butter Chicken

• Create uniform chicken thickness by gently pounding breasts between plastic wrap, ensuring even cooking and preventing dry edges.
• Let chicken develop a golden crust by resisting the urge to move it during initial cooking, which locks in delicious flavors and creates a crispy exterior.
• Use high-quality chicken broth or dry white wine when deglazing to capture maximum pan drippings and enhance overall sauce richness.
• Don't hold back on spices – layer paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a complex, mouthwatering taste profile that penetrates the meat.
• Allow chicken to rest briefly after cooking, then return to pan and generously coat with garlic butter sauce, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and flavorful.

How to Keep Garlic Butter Chicken Fresh

• Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely covered with the garlic butter sauce to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, drizzle with extra sauce, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery texture.

Side Pairings for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Perfectly Pair Garlicky Chicken Delights
• Uncork Crisp White Wine Harmony: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich garlic butter, balancing the chicken's savory profile with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Serve Roasted Vegetable Companions: Herb-roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots complement the chicken's robust flavors, adding textural contrast and nutritional balance.
• Craft Creamy Potato Side: Whipped garlic mashed potatoes or crispy herb-roasted potatoes absorb the delectable butter sauce, creating a luxurious flavor marriage on the plate.
• Select Fresh Green Salad Accent: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty, peppery counterpoint to the rich chicken, cleansing the palate between bites.

Twists on Garlic Butter Chicken Flavor

• Keto-Friendly Chicken: Replace olive oil with avocado oil, use ghee instead of butter, and skip any sugary seasonings. This version keeps the dish low-carb and high-fat, perfect for ketogenic dieters.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil or olive oil, and use dairy-free chicken broth. Add nutritional yeast for a similar rich flavor profile that mimics the creamy texture.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or sage instead of Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs can transform the dish's flavor while keeping the core cooking method intact.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning mix. Include diced jalapeños in the garlic butter sauce for those who love a fiery chicken experience that brings heat to the classic recipe.

FAQs

• Why pound the chicken before cooking?

Pounding chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking, preventing dry edges and undercooked centers. It helps the chicken cook more quickly and evenly, resulting in a juicier, more tender meat.

• Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Each oil has a slightly different flavor profile, but they will work well for searing the chicken.

• What if I don't have fresh garlic?

If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic the recipe calls for. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there are no pink areas and the juice runs clear.

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

Savory garlic butter chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with rich, creamy simplicity. Quick and elegant preparation delivers restaurant-quality results you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 12 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness (4 average-sized breasts)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons butter

Seasonings:

• 12 teaspoon paprika
• 12 teaspoon garlic powder
• 12 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon garlic finely minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley optional for garnishing

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Instructions

1. Tenderize chicken breasts to uniform thickness, ensuring consistent cooking. Liberally coat both sides with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for robust flavor profiles.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until oil shimmers. Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot pan, allowing five uninterrupted minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip and repeat searing process, potentially extending cooking time for thicker cuts.
3. Remove perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate. Deglaze skillet with chicken broth, vigorously scraping accumulated flavor-rich caramelized bits from pan bottom. Permit liquid to reduce slightly.
4. Incorporate butter into pan, allowing complete melting and integration with existing pan liquids. Introduce minced garlic, stirring constantly for approximately one minute to release aromatic compounds and prevent burning.
5. Extinguish heat source. Gently return chicken to skillet, thoroughly coating each piece with luxurious garlic butter sauce. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for visual appeal and herbaceous undertone. Serve immediately while temperature and sauce remain optimal.

Notes

• Pound chicken evenly to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent dry or raw sections.
• Season generously with a blend of spices to maximize flavor depth and create a mouthwatering crust.
• Allow chicken to develop a golden brown sear by resisting the urge to move it during initial cooking stages.
• Use high-quality butter and fresh garlic for an intense, rich sauce that elevates the entire dish.
• Adjust cooking time based on chicken breast thickness to maintain juicy, tender meat.
• Verify all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-carb friendly recipe that works perfectly for keto and paleo diet followers.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can substitute parsley for alternative flavor profiles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg