Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken is your new go-to dinner for busy nights and special occasions alike. Imagine tender, golden-seared chicken breasts swimming in a velvety garlic butter sauce with just a hint of white wine to deepen every savory bite. Not only does this meal come together in 20 minutes flat, but it’s also impressive enough to serve guests or to turn any evening into a cozy celebration. Let’s turn an ordinary weeknight into something extraordinary with the flavor-packed simplicity of Garlic Butter Chicken!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—every component plays a key role. The chicken provides a juicy foundation, and a handful of seasonings wake up each bite, while white wine, garlic, and butter create layers of rich, irresistible flavor.

• Olive oil: Adds a silky sear to the chicken, keeping it juicy and golden on the outside.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to even thickness for perfectly even, tender cooking every time.
• 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning: Brings a savory depth and complex aroma to the dish—feel free to use your favorite blend!
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring nothing tastes flat.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Lends just the right amount of mellow heat.
• White wine or chicken broth: Wine gives richer flavor, but broth is comforting and works beautifully, especially for a family-friendly version.
• Unsalted butter: Creates the luscious, glossy sauce that makes this Garlic Butter Chicken so dreamy.
• Garlic (finely minced): The star of the show, infusing the sauce with warmth and depth (feel free to add more to taste!).
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Brings color and a burst of herbal freshness to your finished plate.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Get your large skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat, then swirl in the olive oil. Arrange your chicken breasts in an even layer, season generously, and let them sizzle. The key here is patience: don’t touch or nudge the chicken while it’s searing—this is how you get that stunning, golden crust and keep all the juices locked in.

Step 2: Flip and Cook Through

When you see those beautiful caramelized edges peeking out (about 5 minutes in), flip each piece. Resist the urge to move them around; let them cook undisturbed on side two for another 5 minutes, or until cooked through. Smaller breasts may cook quicker, so keep an eye on them.

Step 3: Set Chicken Aside

Using a slotted spatula, carefully transfer the chicken to a plate. This gives you room to work on that rich garlic butter sauce, and also lets the chicken rest and reabsorb its juices—juicy chicken guaranteed!

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Now the fun part! Add the white wine (or chicken broth) right into the hot pan—they’ll bubble up and steam dramatically, loosening up all those tasty browned bits at the bottom. Scrape up every last morsel, since that’s pure flavor for your Garlic Butter Chicken sauce.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add butter and stir until melted, then scatter in all that glorious minced garlic. Keep stirring for about one minute, just until the garlic smells intoxicatingly fragrant—don’t let it brown! This is where the sauce transforms into something magical.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Nestle the chicken back into the sauce, flipping each piece to coat it all over in garlicky, buttery goodness. Spoon some extra sauce over the top, garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and as soon as everything’s hot and glossy, call everyone to the table!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds color and a bright, fresh taste that lifts up every buttery bite. If you love a citrusy zing, a squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving adds sparkle without overpowering the sauce.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides! Try fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce. If you’re in the mood for greens, steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp side salad make fantastic, fresh counterpoints.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party vibe, slice the chicken and fan the pieces across a platter, drizzling the garlic butter sauce all over. Or, top the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach for an elegant touch. Serve with roasted veggies for added color, or nestle the chicken atop creamy polenta for a cozy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken holds up beautifully! Store cooled chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors soak in even more overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This recipe is also freezer-friendly. Pack portions of cooled Garlic Butter Chicken (with sauce) in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm everything gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra broth if the sauce has thickened. You can also microwave individual portions, but I recommend covering to keep the chicken moist. Stir the sauce well before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are just as delicious and cook up juicy and flavorful. They may need a few more minutes per side, so check for doneness before adding them back to the sauce.

What can I substitute for wine?

If you prefer to cook without wine, simply use chicken broth instead. The dish will still have loads of flavor—just make sure to use a high-quality broth for best results.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based or olive oil-based butter substitute. The sauce will still be rich and delicious, and you can finish with an extra splash of olive oil for gloss.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Garlic Butter Chicken is naturally gluten-free, as long as all ingredients (like your broth and seasoning) are certified gluten-free. Serve it with your favorite gluten-free sides.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Pounding the chicken breasts to even thickness ensures they cook evenly without drying. Searing undisturbed creates a flavorful crust that seals in moisture, and letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps every bite perfectly juicy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to give Garlic Butter Chicken a try—it’s fast, foolproof, and absolutely packed with comforting flavor. Whether you need a last-minute weeknight winner or want to wow friends over dinner, this one’s sure to become a regular on your table. Happy cooking!

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