Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe for Flavorful Family Dinners

The sizzle of garlic butter chicken recipe awakes your taste buds with a symphony of rich, mouth-watering flavors that dance across your plate.

Tender chicken breasts melt into a golden, buttery embrace that promises pure culinary comfort.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory and aromatic notes that elevate a simple weeknight dinner.

Imagine succulent chicken pieces coated in a luxurious garlic-infused butter sauce that whispers gourmet elegance.

The recipe brings together simple ingredients that create an extraordinary meal in just minutes.

Salt, pepper, and fresh garlic blend seamlessly to create a dish that feels both sophisticated and homey.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 405 kcal

Servings: 5

Garlic Butter Chicken Ingredients

For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • 21 Salute Seasoning: Adds complex, herb-packed flavor to elevate the chicken's taste profile.
  • Kosher Salt: Brings out natural chicken flavors and provides essential seasoning.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Delivers a sharp, warming kick to complement the chicken's mild taste.
For Protein Base:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and creates a tender main dish.
For Cooking Liquid and Sauce Components:
  • Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing conditions and prevents chicken from sticking to the pan.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth, helping to create a rich, silky sauce.
  • Unsalted Butter: Brings luxurious creaminess and helps build a velvety sauce with incredible depth.
  • Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic, pungent warmth that transforms the entire flavor profile.
For Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and subtle herbal note to complete the dish.

Cooking Tools for Buttery Chicken

  • Large Skillet: Essential for searing and cooking chicken evenly with golden color.
  • Slotted Spatula: Perfect for removing chicken from the pan without excess liquid.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings like salt and 21 Salute.
  • Chef's Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping optional parsley garnish.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Instructions to Make Garlic Chicken

  • Skillet Preparation

Grab a large skillet and warm some olive oil. Place chicken breasts into the pan and sprinkle with seasoning for a flavor boost.

  • Golden Sear

Cook chicken over medium-high heat, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown color. This process takes about 5-6 minutes per side, creating a delicious crispy exterior.

  • Checking Doneness

Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature. The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

  • Flavor Creation

Remove chicken from the pan and use the same skillet to build a rich sauce. Pour in chicken broth to capture all the delicious pan drippings.

  • Garlic Butter Magic

Melt butter in the skillet and add fresh garlic. Swirl and stir, creating an aromatic sauce that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

  • Final Touch

Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips for Juicy Chicken with Garlic Sauce

  • Chicken Prep Perfection: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Flavor Boosting Hack: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help it sear more evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust.
  • Sauce Swap Strategies: Replace chicken broth with white wine for a more complex flavor profile, or use vegetable broth for a lighter taste option.
  • Herb Garden Magic: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil by sprinkling them into the garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of aromatic goodness.
  • Leftover Love: Transform remaining garlic butter chicken into delicious wraps, salads, or shred and mix into pasta for a quick next-day meal that's packed with flavor.

How to Plate Garlic Chicken

  • Dinner Party Centerpiece: Arrange the golden-brown chicken on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by fresh herbs and lemon wedges to create a stunning main course that'll impress guests.
  • Quick Meal Companion: Serve alongside fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, turning this simple chicken into a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Salad Topper Delight: Slice the chicken and layer over a crisp mixed green salad, drizzling extra garlic butter sauce as a warm, flavorful dressing that elevates the entire dish.
  • Sandwich Transformation: Shred the leftover chicken and stuff into warm ciabatta bread with a dollop of the garlic butter sauce for a gourmet lunch option that repurposes the original recipe.

Keeping Leftover Chicken Fresh

  • Smart Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken breasts during your initial preparation. Store additional pieces in sealed containers for quick weeknight meals or protein-packed lunch additions throughout the week.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce separate from chicken to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy meat when reheating.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe wrap or container. These meals can remain frozen for 2-3 months, providing convenient future dinner solutions. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm chicken gently in skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir sauce briefly to redistribute garlic butter and maintain delicious flavor profile.
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Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken combines rich flavors from Mediterranean kitchens with simple, elegant preparation. Crispy edges and juicy meat promise a delightful meal you will savor with enthusiasm.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness (4 average-sized breasts)
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
  • 3 tbsps (42 g) unsalted butter, or more if you want extra sauce
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth, or as necessary
  • 1 tbsp finely minced garlic, or to taste
  • 1 to 2 tsps 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 tsps fresh parsley, optional for garnishing

Instructions

  1. Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken breasts in the pan and season with 21 Salute, salt, and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes to develop a golden, caramelized exterior.
  2. Cooking and Resting: Flip the chicken and continue cooking for 5 minutes until fully opaque. Transfer to a plate, allowing the meat to rest and retain its juices while preparing the sauce.
  3. Creating the Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits. Add butter and melt into a silky base, then introduce minced garlic and cook for one minute to release its aromatic essence.
  4. Finishing Touch: Return chicken to the skillet, coating thoroughly with the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a burst of freshness and color.

Notes

  • Sear for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to develop a golden crust without moving, creating a caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and enhances taste.
  • Rest Meat Properly: Transfer chicken to a separate plate after cooking, letting it retain juices for a more tender and succulent result.
  • Build Depth with Deglazing: Use chicken broth to lift browned bits from the pan, creating a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh note and vibrant color to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 405
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 635 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 41 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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