If you have been searching for a soul-satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor yet surprisingly simple to prepare, this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an exquisite blend of tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that sings with fresh herbs and a touch of acidity. This dish proves that a handful of carefully chosen ingredients can come together to create a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen, making it a personal favorite I’m excited to share with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing a unique touch to the plate. From herbs that lift the flavor to butter that enriches the sauce, every component plays a vital role in the dish’s balance and appeal.
- 4 chicken breasts (about 2 pounds): The star protein, pounded for even cooking and tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon parsley: Offers a fresh, slightly peppery note that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon oregano: Adds an aromatic, earthy depth perfect for chicken.
- 1 teaspoon basil: Brings a sweet and slightly minty flavor that complements garlic beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: For that gentle kick of heat and spice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for a golden sear and to lock in flavors.
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar: Provides a mild tanginess to balance the richness of butter.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory depth to the sauce.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: The rich, silky base of the sauce that perfects the garlic flavors.
- 1 small shallot, minced (about ¼ cup): Gives a mild onion sweetness that melts softly into the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (5-6 cloves): The heart and soul of this recipe, infusing warmth and aroma.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tenderizing the chicken breasts with a meat tenderizer until they reach about 1.5 inches thick. This step is crucial because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy throughout the process.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the salt, parsley, oregano, basil, and pepper to create a fragrant herb mix. Rub this all over the chicken breasts generously, allowing the herbs to cling and infuse the meat with layers of flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your seasoned chicken. Cook without moving it for 4 to 5 minutes so it can develop a beautiful golden crust. Then flip and repeat on the other side. This searing step locks in juices and creates that irresistible texture contrast.
Step 4: Remove the Chicken
Once both sides are nicely browned, remove the chicken from the pan. This pause will allow you to focus on building the sauce that makes this dish sing!
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Add white wine vinegar, chicken broth, butter, and minced shallot to the same skillet. Sauté this mixture until the shallots soften and become fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add your minced garlic and cook it gently for another 2 to 3 minutes. This slow cooking draws out the caramelized sweetness of shallots and garlic, enriching your sauce beyond expectation.
Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan
Bring the heat down to medium and nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over them generously and allow the chicken to cook through, basting with the luscious butter sauce as it finishes. Flip the chicken once after about 5 minutes to promote even cooking and coverage of the sauce. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C for perfect doneness.
Step 7: Serve
Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and plate your chicken with the sauce spooned over the top. This combination of tender chicken bathed in the buttery, garlicky sauce is pure comfort on a plate.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil sprinkled just before serving add a burst of color and freshness that lightens the dish wonderfully. A thin slice of lemon on the side can also provide a zesty contrast to the rich butter sauce.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides: fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce, steamed green beans for a crisp, fresh bite, or even a buttery rice pilaf to complement the luxurious flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion or to impress guests, present the chicken sliced over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside roasted vegetables arranged artfully. Drizzle the extra garlic butter sauce over everything and finish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken moist and allows the flavors to marry even more overnight.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to include plenty of sauce to preserve moisture and flavor. When frozen promptly, it’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe in a skillet over low heat, spooning the sauce over the meat to prevent drying out. Avoid using a microwave whenever possible, as gentle reheating keeps that buttery texture perfectly intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide a juicier, slightly richer flavor. Just adjust cooking times as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through depending on thickness.
What can I substitute for white wine vinegar?
If you don’t have white wine vinegar on hand, you can use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar as alternatives. Both add the necessary acidity that balances the richness of the butter sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten without needing to modify ingredients.
How garlicky is this dish?
The garlic presence is bold but not overpowering, softened by the butter and shallots to achieve a warm, inviting flavor profile that garlic lovers will adore.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce components separately a day ahead. Just reheat gently and combine right before serving to keep everything tasting vibrant and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can come together to create a dish that feels special every time. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and make it one of your own favorites!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and easy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with herbs and shallots. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a savory homemade sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts, about 2 pounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, minced (about ¼ cup)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (5–6 cloves)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the 4 chicken breasts with a meat tenderizer until they are uniformly about 1.5 inches thick to ensure even cooking.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix salt, parsley, oregano, basil, and pepper. Rub the chicken breasts thoroughly with this dried herb mixture for flavorful seasoning.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms on one side. Flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side.
- Remove Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts from the skillet to a plate and set aside to rest briefly.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add white wine vinegar, chicken broth, unsalted butter, and minced shallot. Sauté until the shallot is tender, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the sauce is well combined.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Reduce heat to medium and add the chicken breasts back to the skillet. Spoon and coat each breast generously with the garlic butter sauce. Continue cooking and basting the chicken with the sauce until fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the chicken breasts warm, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- Pounding chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
- You can substitute white wine vinegar with lemon juice for a slightly different acidity.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complement the rich sauce.
