If you love quick, comforting meals that deliver on flavor, then this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, golden garlic butter sauce infused with fragrant herbs and just a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness. This dish is the ultimate weeknight winner, combining simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this recipe guarantees mouthwatering results that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe plays an essential role, coming together to create a balance of flavors, textures, and that irresistible buttery aroma. From the herbs that add depth to the garlic that brings a flavorful punch, every addition is wonderfully simple yet crucial.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing tender, juicy meat that soaks up the garlic butter beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates that rich, velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly without overpowering.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor that gives this dish its signature garlicky goodness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the richness of the butter.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a warm, slightly peppery note for added complexity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a hint of smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Injects a fresh, zesty brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a burst of color and a mild herbal freshness at the end.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: Perfect for those who want an extra squeeze of citrus with their meal.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by getting everything ready. Mince your garlic finely and chop the parsley so it’s ready for garnishing, ensuring a fresh pop of green at the end. Also, make sure your chicken breasts are properly thawed if frozen and use paper towels to pat them dry—this helps the seasoning stick better and creates a nice golden crust when cooking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, and thyme. Don’t hold back on the seasoning here; it’s the foundation of every delicious bite, infusing layers of flavor as the chicken cooks.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
Heat 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Let it bubble slightly but watch carefully so it doesn’t brown—this will ensure a clean, rich buttery base that perfectly coats the chicken without bitterness.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the melted butter. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C. This step locks in juiciness while creating that crave-worthy sear.
Step 5: Add the Garlic
When your chicken is almost done, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes, infusing the butter with its unforgettable aroma. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can add unwanted bitterness instead of flavor.
Step 6: Brighten with Lemon
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken in the skillet. This simple step adds a tangy contrast that balances the richness and brings the entire dish alive with freshness.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle the luscious garlic butter sauce over each piece, ensuring every bite is coated in that rich, garlicky goodness.
Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and serve lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch. This simple garnish elevates the dish visually and adds fresh flavor to every forkful.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a gentle earthiness that contrasts beautifully with the butter and garlic. Plus, lemon wedges are a must-have for those who love a bright citrus twist that wakes up the senses with every squeeze.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice soak up every drop of the garlic butter sauce, while a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables add balance and freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, place the chicken breasts atop a bed of garlic sautéed spinach or creamy polenta. Garnish the platter with herb sprigs and a few thin lemon slices to impress guests or turn a simple dinner into a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day meals without losing any of its delicious flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save your Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge if needed, then warm gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture and flavor. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the chicken and make the butter sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be even juicier, though cooking times might vary slightly depending on thickness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for a dairy-free butter substitute or olive oil. While the flavor will be a bit different, it still results in a delicious and rich sauce.
Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time and gently reheat it before adding the chicken, just be sure not to overheat or burn the garlic.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice adds brightness that bottled lemon juice can’t quite match, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works — just use a bit less and taste as you go.
How can I tell when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The best way is with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C. The chicken should be opaque and juices should run clear when pierced.
Final Thoughts
I truly cannot recommend this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe enough. It’s such a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s quick enough for busy nights but impressive enough to serve to guests. Once you try it, I promise it will become a staple in your cooking routine. You’ll love how the simple ingredients transform into a delicious meal that everyone asks for again and again. So grab your skillet and some butter, and let the magic begin!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 18m
- Total Time: 0h 28m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with herbs, paprika, and fresh lemon juice. Perfectly pan-seared to a golden brown finish and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, this flavorful and easy-to-make dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves and chop the fresh parsley. Make sure the chicken breasts are fully thawed if frozen and pat them dry with paper towels to help achieve a nice sear.
- Season the chicken: Generously season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, and dried thyme to infuse bold, herby flavors.
- Melt the butter: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the unsalted butter. Let the butter bubble without browning to avoid a bitter taste.
- Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a golden brown crust.
- Add garlic: When the chicken is nearly done, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring gently to prevent burning and ensure the garlic flavor infuses the butter sauce.
- Finish with lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and garlic butter in the skillet. Allow the juices to meld for a minute to brighten and balance the rich flavors.
- Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken for added moisture and taste.
- Garnish and enjoy: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges on the side to add a fresh citrus accent to each bite.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps the chicken brown nicely.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor; bottled lemon juice can alter the taste.
- Do not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; add it last in the cooking process.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
