This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a tasty dish that features juicy chicken breasts cooked with buttery garlic goodness. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner!
You’ll love the simplicity of this recipe. I usually serve it with rice or veggies, and trust me, the sauce is so good you’ll want to drizzle it on everything! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier option. You can also use tofu or tempeh if you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor, but if you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with olive oil or a plant-based butter. The fat is essential for the sauce’s richness, so don’t skip it!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for the best taste. In a pinch, garlic powder works, but you’ll miss the lovely aroma. Adjust the amount based on your garlic preference—more is usually better!
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add a nice touch, but feel free to use whatever dried herbs you like, such as oregano or basil. Fresh herbs are also great but use more since they’re milder.
Chicken Broth/Wine: If you don’t have broth or wine, water works too, but the sauce may lose some flavor. Alternatively, use vegetable broth if you’re going for a vegetarian dish.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken so it’s juicy and not overdone is key. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy!
Remember, every stove is different, so adjust the cooking time based on how thick your chicken breasts are. Happy cooking!
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional for sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time, totaling about 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to get that flavor all around.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep it warm.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but make sure it doesn’t burn—nobody wants burned garlic!
4. Add Herbs and Deglaze:
If you’re using thyme and rosemary for extra flavor, sprinkle them in now and stir to combine. Then, pour in the chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Finish the Sauce:
Now, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until it melts and you have a smooth sauce. It’s going to be delicious!
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let it heat through for an extra 1-2 minutes so everything is nicely coated and warm.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before you serve, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Your flavorful, tender garlic butter chicken is ready to enjoy! Serve it with rice, pasta, or veggies to soak up that lovely sauce.
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them fully first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or speed up the process by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water. After thawing, pat them dry before cooking for the best sear.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth or White Wine?
If you don’t have chicken broth or white wine, you can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, but keep in mind that the sauce will lose some flavor. For a bit of a kick, you could also use lemon juice instead!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up when reheating.
