This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is simply delightful! Juicy chicken cooked in a buttery garlic sauce makes a tasty dish that’s quick to prepare for any night. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe due to their quick cooking time. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too—they’re often juicier and more flavorful.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish. If you’re watching your fat intake, you can substitute half of the butter with olive oil for a lighter option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds wonderful flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon per clove) can be a quick substitute. However, fresh really shines in this dish!
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water mixed with a bit of soy sauce can work as a substitute. It adds depth to the sauce too!
How Can You Make Sure Your Chicken Turns Out Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it! Here’s how to succeed:
- Before cooking, season your chicken well with salt, pepper, and paprika for a flavor boost.
- Cook in a hot skillet—you want that golden crust! Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F or 75°C).
- Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking; this helps retain its juices.
Following these tips will ensure your chicken is not only delicious but also perfectly cooked every time!
How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides. This adds great flavor right from the start!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium, and in the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it has melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in your dried Italian herbs. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it slightly reduces. This step enhances the flavors beautifully!
5. Combine and Cook:
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the garlic butter sauce over the top. Allow it to cook for another 2 minutes—this helps the chicken soak up all that deliciousness!
6. Serve:
Once everything is blended nicely, remove from heat. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Easy Garlic Butter Chicken hot with rice, pasta, or steamed veggies!
Enjoy every flavorful bite of your garlic butter chicken! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to completely thaw the chicken before cooking! You can thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker method. Make sure to pat it dry before seasoning.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute it with water mixed with a little bit of soy sauce or vegetable broth. This will still give you a flavorful base for your sauce!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can enhance both the nutrition and flavor of the dish. Just sauté them in the garlic butter sauce before adding the broth!
