Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something rich, flavorful, and ridiculously comforting, this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. I love this recipe because it’s super straightforward yet delivers that melt-in-your-mouth garlic butter sauce that makes dinner feel so special—even on a busy weeknight. You’ll find that with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up juicy chicken breasts coated in a golden, garlicky butter sauce that your whole family will rave about. Stick with me here and I’ll share all my best tips to make sure your chicken comes out perfectly every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is how these simple, accessible ingredients come together for an irresistible plate. I always recommend using fresh garlic and good-quality butter to really get that luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.

• Chicken Breasts: I like to bring them close to room temperature for even cooking and easier butterflying.
• Plain / All Purpose Flour: Coats the chicken and helps thicken the sauce just a touch.
• Chicken Stock: The base of our sauce that adds depth and richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Divided into chunks so you can add it steadily to build that silky sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs the flavor punch, while garlic powder adds a subtle background note.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal note.
• Olive Oil: Works with the butter for a nicely browned chicken crust without burning.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential to season the chicken and sauce just right.
• Lemon: Cut into wedges for squeezing over at the table to add a fresh, zesty kick.

Variations

I love making this garlic butter chicken my own by switching up a few things depending on the mood or occasion. Feel free to tailor it to your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Add Mushrooms: I sometimes sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the garlic for an earthy twist that makes the sauce even more substantial.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red chili flakes added with the garlic brings a wonderful heat if you like your dishes a bit spicy.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for a plant-based butter and use coconut oil instead of olive oil to keep it dairy-free while still rich.
• Herb Swaps: Try fresh thyme or rosemary in place of parsley for a fragrant, woodsy flavor profile.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Flour the Chicken

Start by bringing your chicken breasts close to room temperature—that helps them cook evenly and keeps them tender. Then, carefully butterfly the chicken by slicing each breast horizontally through the center, making four thinner pieces. This trick helps them cook faster and stay juicy. In a shallow dish, mix the flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Press each piece of chicken into the flour, coating well but shaking off any excess. Don’t rush this step—getting an even flour coating makes a big difference in texture and flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. I like this butter-oil combo because it browns the chicken beautifully without burning. Once hot (you’ll smell it), add the chicken breasts and fry them for about 3-5 minutes on each side. Keep an eye for a golden crust and cook until the chicken is white and steaming through the center. Avoid flipping too often or pressing down on the chicken—that’ll squeeze out the juices and dry it out. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 3: Whip Up Your Garlic Butter Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium and add your minced garlic to the pan. Cook it for just 1-2 minutes, until it starts to get golden but not burnt—burnt garlic gives a bitter taste, so watch closely! Then pour in the chicken stock. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those lovely browned bits stuck to the pan—they’re full of flavor and make your sauce taste amazing. Add in your remaining butter chunks little by little, whisking it in as it melts to create a silky, slightly cloudy sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley into the pan, and then taste the sauce. Here’s where you add a little more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Simmer and Serve

Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Then reduce the heat to low, nestle the chicken breasts back into the sauce, and spoon it over the top to coat each piece. I usually let it warm together for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors marry. Serve your garlic butter chicken with extra sauce spooned over and a wedge of lemon on the side for squeezing—this brightness really elevates the dish. Trust me, once you try the lemon, you’ll never skip it!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley over the top to add that pop of color and fresh herb flavor. The lemon wedges on the side are a must for me—I love how the citrus cuts through the richness of the butter sauce. If I’m feeling fancy, a small drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on the finished plate takes it to another level.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all that garlicky sauce. Sometimes I opt for roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a fresh, crunchy contrast. When I want a lighter side, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette really balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to slice the chicken and fan it out on a platter, drizzle the garlic butter sauce over, and garnish with lots of parsley and lemon wedges. Serving it family-style encourages sharing and gives that cozy vibe I love. Another fun idea is to place the chicken on a bed of creamy polenta or cauliflower mash for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible, as it reheats better that way without getting too thick or oily. When I’ve done this, the chicken stays juicy and the sauce still tastes fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked chicken breasts from this recipe successfully—just make sure they’re fully cooled and stored with some sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you thaw it slowly overnight in the fridge, the chicken reabsorbs some of the sauce, so it doesn’t dry out.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken with sauce in a pan over low heat, spooning the sauce over frequently. This keeps the meat moist. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to dry out chicken unevenly. If microwaving is your only option, heat in short bursts and add a splash of chicken stock or water to keep it moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is simple enough to make on any given night. I discovered this recipe when I wanted to step up weekday dinners without spending ages in the kitchen, and it quickly became a family favorite. If you want juicy chicken bathed in a dreamy, garlicky butter sauce that’s easy on ingredients and fuss, I can’t recommend this enough. You’ll enjoy the rich flavors, quick prep, and the fact that it always feels like a little celebration at the dinner table. Give it a try and let me know how it goes—you’re gonna love it!

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