Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is designed for home cooks looking for an easy way to create a restaurant-quality meal right in their own kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken
Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe promises a succulent, tender chicken bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. It’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying meal. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of around 20 minutes, you’ll have a gourmet-worthy dinner on the table in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring the chicken sears nicely.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce. Let the broth simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat evenly. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken immediately, spooning extra sauce over the top. It’s delicious served with your favorite sides like rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken
You’ll absolutely adore this Garlic Butter Chicken for its incredibly luscious, buttery sauce, infused with the pungent aroma of perfectly sautéed garlic – a truly irresistible combination. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to dining out, proving that you can achieve restaurant-quality flavors at home without breaking the bank. The vibrant freshness of the parsley and the bright zest of lemon cut through the richness, making every bite a delightful experience, far superior to a simple pan-fried approach.
If you’re searching for a straightforward yet exceptionally flavorful chicken recipe, this Garlic Butter Chicken is your answer. It’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings when you still crave something special. Forget complicated marinades or lengthy cooking times; this recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort. Ready to impress yourself and your loved ones? Give this sensational Garlic Butter Chicken a try tonight!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you have a couple of excellent options:
- Stovetop Method: This is generally the best method for preserving the creaminess of the sauce. Gently heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the leftover chicken and sauce to the skillet and warm through, stirring occasionally, until heated to your desired temperature. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Microwave Method: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a paper towel or microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power in 30-60 second intervals, stirring gently in between, until heated through. Be mindful not to overheat, which can make the chicken tough.
If you wish to freeze portions of your Garlic Butter Chicken for future meals, ensure it is cooled completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat using one of the methods above.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken is a true testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor. I encourage you to whip up this delightful dish; it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring the chicken sears nicely.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.2 tablespoons olive oil, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce. Let the broth simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.1/2 cup chicken broth
- Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.1/4 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat evenly. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken immediately, spooning extra sauce over the top. It’s delicious served with your favorite sides like rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.