Go Back
To make a tasty garlic butter chicken, gather these fresh and simple ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Juice of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lemon With these items in hand, you can create a dish that bursts with flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in making the chicken juicy and delicious. The garlic gives it a strong kick, while the butter adds richness. The herbs and spices bring harmony to the mix. Plus, the lemon juice and zest brighten up the whole meal. When you choose your chicken, look for fresh, high-quality cuts. This makes a big difference in taste. Fresh garlic will give your dish that strong aroma. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. This way, you can adjust the flavor to your liking. Next, let’s get cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture. Next, season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried Italian herbs. The herbs give the chicken a nice flavor. In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Make sure the heat is not too high. This helps the butter melt evenly without burning. You want it bubbling but not brown. Once the butter is melted, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown. Check the internal temperature; it must reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked. After removing the chicken, lower the heat. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to brown the garlic. Browned garlic can taste bitter, and we want a nice, rich flavor. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. This step brightens the dish and adds freshness. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over it. Let it soak in for 1-2 minutes for extra flavor. Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color. For a complete meal, serve it on a bed of fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter sauce over the top. Add extra lemon wedges for a lovely touch. To get that nice golden brown color, use high heat. This sears the chicken well and locks in moisture. Start with a hot skillet and add your butter. When the butter bubbles, it’s time to add the chicken. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes. This timing gives you that crispy outer layer. For better color, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This lets the chicken brown evenly. If you add too many pieces, they will steam instead of sear. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. You can boost the flavor of your garlic butter sauce. Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fresh taste. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat. If you want more depth, use a splash of white wine or chicken broth. This adds richness and makes the sauce more complex. Remember to sauté the garlic gently. It should be fragrant but not brown. Browning the garlic can make it bitter. When plating your garlic butter chicken, think about how it looks. You can serve it on a bed of fluffy rice or with roasted veggies. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the chicken for a flavorful touch. For extra flair, add lemon wedges on the side. This makes the dish pop with color and adds a fresh taste. Pair with a light salad or some crusty bread to complete your meal. Enjoy the beauty and taste of your creation! Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Use Fresh Herbs: For a more vibrant flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried. A mix of fresh basil, thyme, and parsley can elevate the dish. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Perfect Pairings: This garlic butter chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. {{image_2}} Using fresh herbs can make your garlic butter chicken taste bright and lively. Fresh herbs pack more flavor compared to dried ones. If you prefer dried herbs, just use less. You can try mixing different herbs too. Basil, rosemary, and thyme work well together. Each adds a unique twist to the dish. Grilling your chicken gives it a smoky flavor that many love. To grill, season your chicken as usual. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. You can also bake the chicken if you want a hands-off method. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes. Want to jazz up your dish? Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without cheese. Shredded cheese can also be mixed in for extra richness. You can throw in some vegetables too. Carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers roast nicely with the chicken. Just add them to the pan while cooking. They will soak up all that delicious garlic butter flavor! To keep your garlic butter chicken fresh, cool it quickly after cooking. Let it sit at room temperature for no more than two hours. Store the chicken in airtight containers. This will help retain moisture and flavor. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to label the containers with the date. You can freeze garlic butter chicken if you won’t eat it soon. First, let it cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. For quick reheating, thaw chicken overnight in the fridge. You can also use the microwave in a defrost setting. Your garlic butter chicken can last in the fridge for about three to four days. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or has a strange color, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses! You can serve garlic butter chicken with many tasty sides: - Fluffy white rice or brown rice - Roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta These sides will soak up the garlic butter sauce well. You can also drizzle some extra sauce over your sides for more flavor. Yes, you can prepare garlic butter chicken ahead of time: - Cook the chicken and let it cool. - Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just reheat it in a skillet or microwave when you're ready to eat. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer: - Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. - The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also check for doneness by looking at the chicken. It should be golden brown, and the juices should run clear when you cut into it. Yes, you can lighten up garlic butter chicken with a few swaps: - Use olive oil instead of butter for cooking. - Choose skinless chicken thighs for a leaner option. You can also grill or bake the chicken instead of pan-searing it. These methods cut down on fat while keeping the flavor. This blog post covered how to make Garlic Butter Chicken. We discussed the key ingredients, like chicken, butter, garlic, and lemon. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and creating a rich garlic butter sauce. Tips on searing and presentation enhanced your skills. Variations provided fresh ideas for flavor and cooking methods. Lastly, I shared storage tips for preserving your dish. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and make your meals tasty and fun!

Garlic Butter Chicken Delight

A delicious chicken dish cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 piece lemon, juiced
  • 1 piece lemon, zested

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs.
  • Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat.
  • Sear the Chicken: Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  • Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken, allowing it to soak in for about 1-2 minutes.
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.

Notes

Serve on a bed of rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword butter, chicken, dinner, easy, garlic