Garlic Butter Chicken | Juicy, Flavorful & Easy to Make

Garlic butter chicken is one of those recipes that never fails to impress.

With its juicy, tender chicken cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home.

The combination of golden-browned chicken with a luscious, savory sauce makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal with guests.

This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal effort. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can make a dish that tastes this good.

Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small chicken thighs)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken – Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Heat the Pan – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Cook the Chicken – Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce – In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Deglaze the Pan – Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom.

Combine & Simmer – Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

How to Prepare

• Thaw Chicken: If using frozen chicken, let it thaw completely before cooking.
• Even Cooking: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, rather than garlic powder alone.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to get a nice sear.
• Let Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will make this dish even juicier and more flavorful. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs take a bit longer to cook.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter or olive oil.

3. What can I serve with garlic butter chicken?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or even pasta.

4. Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?

While you can, fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Jarred garlic has a slightly different taste due to preservatives.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

Garlic butter chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal.

The combination of juicy chicken, rich buttery garlic sauce, and fresh herbs makes it a family favorite.

Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.