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)

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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.