Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something savory, satisfying, and gloriously simple to whip up, Garlic Butter Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. Tender chicken breasts get pressed in garlicky seasoned flour, pan-fried to golden perfection, and absolutely drenched in a silky garlic butter sauce that makes every bite unforgettably rich and comforting.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things deliciously uncomplicated—the key to Garlic Butter Chicken is using a handful of fresh, quality ingredients that each add their own magic. Here’s why each one matters and how it contributes to that swoon-worthy flavor and irresistible golden crust.

• Chicken Breasts: Butterflied for tenderness, these cook evenly and stay juicy at the center with a crisp, golden crust outside.
• All Purpose Flour: Dredging the chicken locks in moisture and helps the deliciously savory sauce cling to every bite.
• Chicken Stock: Adds depth and umami to the sauce, blending perfectly with the butter and garlic for a luscious finish.
• Unsalted Butter: The star of the show! It creates the luxurious, velvety sauce and ensures you can season the dish exactly to your taste.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic is non-negotiable here—it brings warmth and aromatic punch that makes this dish unforgettable.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds brightness and a pop of color that elevates the whole experience.
• Olive Oil: Helps the butter brown beautifully while preventing it from burning as you sear the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Reinforces the garlicky flavor at every layer, infusing the seasoned crust.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Enhance every aspect of the dish; season generously, then adjust to your preference.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze at the end balances the richness with bright, fresh acidity—highly recommended!

Variations

Garlic Butter Chicken is wonderfully accommodating! Don’t be afraid to tailor it to what you have on hand, your family’s tastes, or any special dietary needs—here are some delicious twists to inspire you.

• Swap the Herbs: Feel free to use fresh thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for a more woodsy, aromatic edge—just a little goes a long way.
• Go Low-Carb: Skip the flour and simply season the chicken; it’ll still soak up all that fragrant butter sauce, just with less of a crust.
• Add Heat: Sprinkle chili flakes into the sauce for a gentle kick, or serve with a drizzle of hot honey for sweet-and-spicy lovers.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs also work beautifully—they stay ultra-juicy and soak up even more buttery goodness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Butterfly and Dredge the Chicken

Start by carefully butterflying your chicken breasts right through the center—you’ll be left with four even, thinner pieces that cook quickly and evenly. Mix the flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish, then dredge each piece, pressing firmly so the coating sticks. Shake off any excess and set aside; this ensures that perfect, golden crust in every bite.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a large pan over medium-high and add a tablespoon each of butter and olive oil. Once shimmering and fragrant, nestle in your dredged chicken. Fry without moving for about 3-5 minutes per side, until each piece is golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and get ready for the magic: that garlicky sauce.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat slightly, then add minced garlic to the pan—sauté just until it smells heavenly and begins to color. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping briskly to release all those tasty browned bits. Add the remaining butter and whisk to emulsify with the stock. The sauce should turn slightly opaque, glossy, and ready to envelop your chicken in flavor.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle in fresh parsley, and taste for seasoning—add a pinch more salt or pepper if you like. Slip the chicken back into the pan, spoon over that garlicky, buttery sauce, and let everything mingle for a minute or two. Serve hot with an extra drizzle of sauce and a squeeze of lemon to brighten it all up.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garnishes

This dish truly shines with a final flurry of freshly chopped parsley—a classic pairing that brings color and freshness. A shower of extra black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top instantly elevates each tender piece. Don’t skip that final squeeze of lemon on the plate—it wakes up all the flavors and balances the buttery sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Chicken is wonderfully versatile and loves good company. Fluffy mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or buttery rice are all perfect for soaking up the sauce. I love to add a fresh green veggie like steamed broccoli, garlicky green beans, or a crisp side salad to lighten up the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Experiment with slicing the chicken and fanning it atop a swirl of buttery mash for restaurant flair, or serve atop a bed of garlicky wilted spinach. For cozy gatherings, arrange the chicken family-style on a warm platter, drizzled with sauce and dotted with lemon wedges—everyone can help themselves and mop up that irresistible garlic butter with a hunk of crusty bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a supremely tasty next-day lunch or dinner. Just be sure to spoon over plenty of that sauce to help keep things nice and moist.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Cool the chicken and sauce completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently so the creamy butter sauce doesn’t separate.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken (with sauce) in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the sauce. Warm gently until hot but not bubbling, to maintain that silky texture. A quick microwave zap works in a pinch too—just cover and use a lower power setting to keep things tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste this Garlic Butter Chicken—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with someone who could use a little extra comfort on their plate!

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