Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick, flavorful meal made with tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
4. Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Finish the Dish
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and, if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving Ideas
Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered rice
- Garlic pasta
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A crisp green salad
- Warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—use a meat thermometer for juicy results.
- For a creamy version, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream and a little grated Parmesan cheese before returning the chicken to the pan.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it tender.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken is rich, savory, and incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. The buttery garlic sauce keeps the chicken moist and flavorful, making it a family-friendly recipe you’ll want to make again and again.