Garlic butter chicken is a dish that perfectly balances simplicity with bold flavors. In just 15 minutes, you can transform basic ingredients into a juicy, golden-brown chicken coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
Whether you’re a home cook looking for an easy yet impressive dish or someone craving comfort food with a touch of elegance, garlic butter chicken is the answer. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this dish, including its origins, cooking tips, best side dishes, and frequently asked questions.
The Origins and Popularity of Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic and butter have been a dynamic duo in culinary history for centuries. The use of butter in cooking dates back to ancient Rome, while garlic has been a staple ingredient in European, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines for thousands of years.
The combination of garlic and butter became particularly famous in French cuisine, with dishes like garlic butter escargots and beurre blanc sauce highlighting their rich, aromatic qualities. Over time, home cooks and chefs alike realized that this pairing works exceptionally well with chicken, leading to the creation of garlic butter chicken.
Today, this dish is widely loved due to its simplicity, adaptability, and luxurious taste. It can be served as a casual meal or dressed up for a gourmet dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy to Prepare
Garlic butter chicken comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Uses Pantry Staples
The ingredients—chicken, butter, garlic, olive oil, and seasoning—are common kitchen staples, so you won’t need a long shopping list.
3. Bursting with Flavor
The garlic butter sauce infuses the chicken with deep, rich flavors while keeping it moist and tender.
4. Versatile and Customizable
This dish can be served with a variety of sides, from pasta to vegetables, and can easily be customized by adding herbs, spices, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
5. Great for Meal Prep
Garlic butter chicken stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. You can cook a batch in advance and reheat it throughout the week
Ingredients for a Quick and Tasty Meal
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning (or poultry seasoning)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions to Culinary Perfection
1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with 21 Salute Seasoning (or poultry seasoning), salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on the first side, until golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes on the other side, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the dry white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce the heat to medium, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic, and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce. Allow them to simmer briefly to absorb the flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 45g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
This garlic butter chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it alongside rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Best Cooking Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
To ensure that your garlic butter chicken is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection, follow these expert cooking tips:
1. Choose the Right Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb the buttery sauce well. However, if you prefer extra juiciness, boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative.
2. Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking
For uniform cooking, use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This prevents the thinner parts from drying out while the thicker parts finish cooking.
3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Overcooking will make it dry, so use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
4. Let the Chicken Rest
After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and enhances its tenderness.
5. Deglaze the Pan for Maximum Flavor
After searing the chicken, deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth lifts all the flavorful bits stuck to the skillet, creating a richer sauce.
6. Use Fresh Garlic for the Best Aroma
While garlic powder works in some recipes, fresh minced garlic delivers a more robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the butter sauce.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic butter chicken is incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully, creating a comforting and indulgent meal.
2. Roasted Vegetables
A mix of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts adds color, texture, and balance to the dish.
3. Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce
Toss cooked pasta in extra garlic butter sauce for a simple yet delicious accompaniment.
4. Garlic Bread
If you love carbs, a slice of crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the flavorful sauce.
5. Cauliflower Rice or Zoodles (Low-Carb Option)
For a lighter meal, pair the chicken with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly alternative.
6. Fresh Garden Salad
A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast to the rich chicken dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Garlic Butter Chicken
1. Can I make garlic butter chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Adjust the cooking time slightly since they may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
3. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
- Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for a nice sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to lock in moisture.
4. What can I use instead of white wine in the sauce?
If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice for a similar depth of flavor.
5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version.
6. What herbs go well with garlic butter chicken?
Fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, or basil enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.
7. Can I freeze garlic butter chicken?
Yes, you can freeze cooked garlic butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet for best results.
8. Can I cook garlic butter chicken in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion: Why Garlic Butter Chicken Should Be in Your Weekly Meal Rotation
Garlic butter chicken is a dish that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe is a surefire hit.
Its quick preparation, bold flavors, and versatility make it a staple in any kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and simple seasonings ensures that this meal never gets boring.
Next time you’re craving a delicious, restaurant-quality dish without the hassle, give garlic butter chicken a try—you won’t regret it!
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Keto Garlic Butter Chicken – Low-Carb, High Flavor!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic butter chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. Juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts are coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, making this a perfect meal for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients and maximum taste, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon 21 Salute Seasoning (or poultry seasoning)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with 21 Salute Seasoning (or poultry seasoning), salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on the first side, until golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes on the other side, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the dry white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce the heat to medium, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic, and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce. Allow them to simmer briefly to absorb the flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce.
- Swap white wine for chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet for best results.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
