Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those go-to meals I make when I want something rich, flavorful, and incredibly comforting—all without much effort. Juicy chicken breasts or thighs are cooked until golden, then smothered in a silky garlic butter sauce that’s full of flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but tasty enough to serve to guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, easy, and made with ingredients I almost always have on hand. The garlic butter sauce is rich but not too heavy, and it pairs perfectly with chicken, pasta, rice, or veggies. It’s a one-pan recipe, so cleanup is easy, and it always makes the kitchen smell amazing while it cooks.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Salt and pepper

• Garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)

• Olive oil

• Unsalted butter

• Fresh garlic (minced)

• Chicken broth or water (for a lighter sauce)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Optional: lemon juice or red pepper flakes for a little kick

Directions

1. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. I cook it for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.

3. In the same pan, I lower the heat and add the butter. Once it melts, I stir in the garlic and cook it for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. I deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or water, scraping up all the flavorful bits from the bottom.

5. I return the chicken to the pan and spoon the garlic butter over it. I let it simmer for a couple of minutes to soak up the flavor.

6. I garnish with chopped parsley and serve it hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so I usually have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to brighten the sauce. When I want a spicier version, I toss in red pepper flakes or hot sauce. I’ve also added mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to the skillet to make it a one-pan meal.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet with a bit of extra butter or broth to keep it moist. The microwave works too, but I cover it and heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, I’ve used bone-in thighs before. They take longer to cook, but they stay juicy and flavorful. I just make sure to finish them in the oven if needed.

What sides go best with garlic butter chicken?

I like serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Steamed broccoli or green beans also pair well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I’ve tried it with dairy-free butter alternatives and it still works, though the flavor isn’t quite the same. Garlic and olive oil alone still make a nice base.

Is this good for meal prep?

Definitely. I cook a batch and portion it out with rice and veggies for easy lunches during the week.

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Yes, but I prefer fresh garlic for the best flavor. Pre-minced works in a pinch, especially if I’m short on time.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet impressive dish that never lets me down. It’s full of rich, savory flavor and comes together quickly with just a few basic ingredients. Whether I’m making it for myself or sharing it with others, it’s always a satisfying meal that feels a little special.

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