Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and easy dish that delivers big on flavor. The buttery, garlicky sauce is so creamy and savory, it elevates the simple chicken to something extraordinary. The chicken stays juicy and tender, while the sauce adds depth and richness. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a busy night when you still want a delicious, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking the chicken)

For the garlic butter sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 6 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if preferred)

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For garnish (optional):

  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the chicken:

  1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

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

  3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, covering it loosely with foil to keep warm.

2. Make the garlic butter sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

  3. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

  4. If you’re using heavy cream, stir it in now and simmer for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.

  5. Stir in the thyme and Italian seasoning (if using), and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine the chicken with the sauce:

  1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to reheat and absorb the flavors.

4. Serve:

  1. Plate the chicken and drizzle with the garlic butter sauce.

  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of fresh flavor.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 servings

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh chopped chili peppers to the garlic butter sauce for an added kick of spice.

  • Cheesy version: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken just before serving, or stir some into the sauce to add richness.

  • Add vegetables: Serve the garlic butter chicken over sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or any of your favorite veggies for added nutrition.

  • Herb variation: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or sage for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

  • Reheating: To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They are slightly more tender and flavorful than chicken breasts, and they will absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully.

2. Can I make the sauce without heavy cream?

Yes, you can skip the heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce. The chicken broth and butter still create a delicious, flavorful base. If you prefer a thicker sauce without cream, you can reduce the broth for a more concentrated flavor.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the chicken is best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the sauce when you’re ready to cook the chicken.

4. Can I use a different protein?

Yes, you can use this garlic butter sauce with other proteins like shrimp,  or even fish fillets. Adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you choose.

5. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.

6. Can I serve this dish with pasta?

Yes, Garlic Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta. Serve it over spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

7. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is ideal for the best flavor, but if you don’t have it, garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove of fresh garlic.

8. How can I make the chicken more tender?

For even more tender chicken, consider marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.

9. Can I use chicken broth instead of wine?

Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a great substitute. It will still give the sauce a savory depth of flavor.

10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure that the ingredients you use are free of gluten.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich and indulgent dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. The combination of tender chicken with a creamy, garlicky butter sauce creates a truly satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or at a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave everyone asking for seconds. Pair it with your favorite sides for a well-rounded, delicious meal

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Garlic Butter Chicken

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce. The chicken is seared to perfection and smothered in a savory sauce made with butter, garlic, chicken broth, and a touch of lemon. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking the chicken)

For the garlic butter sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 6 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if preferred)

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For garnish (optional):

  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  • Cook the chicken:

    • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

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

    • Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

    • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, covering it loosely with foil to keep warm.

  • Make the garlic butter sauce:

    • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

    • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

    • Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

    • Stir in heavy cream (if using) and simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.

    • Add thyme and Italian seasoning (if using) and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Combine the chicken with the sauce:

    • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top.

    • Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to reheat and absorb the flavors.

  • Serve:

    • Plate the chicken and drizzle with the garlic butter sauce.

    • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of fresh flavor.

Notes

Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the garlic butter sauce for an added kick of spice.Cheesy version: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken just before serving, or stir it into the sauce for extra richness.Add vegetables: Serve the garlic butter chicken over sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or any of your favorite veggies for added nutrition.Herb variation: Experiment with rosemary, oregano, or sage for a different flavor profile.

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