This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a winner for busy nights! It’s juicy chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce that makes your taste buds dance.
I love how quick this dish is! Just sauté the chicken, mix in the buttery goodness, and it’s ready to enjoy. Perfect with rice or veggies on the side! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. You can also use thighs for a juicier option, or even substitute with turkey breast if you prefer.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt. If you want a lighter option, use a combination of butter and olive oil, or even a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. In a pinch, you can use minced garlic from a jar, but fresh really shines in this dish. If you have garlic powder, it works too—about 1 teaspoon should suffice.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for less salt. If you don’t have any, water can substitute, but you may want to add a little more seasoning.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right every time:
- Start with a hot skillet! This helps lock in juices.
- Cook on medium-high heat until golden brown, usually around 5-6 minutes per side. No peeking! Let it get that lovely color.
- Use a meat thermometer. Ideally, chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) internally. If you cut into it and the juices run clear, it’s ready too.
Following these steps will guarantee juicy, tender chicken every time! Enjoy making this delicious meal.
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This easy garlic butter chicken takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. This will add great flavor to your dish!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice golden brown color and for the chicken to be cooked through. Once cooked, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter is melted, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté this mixture for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
4. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice if you’re using it. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s where a lot of the flavor is! Let this sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Finish Cooking the Chicken:
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of that delicious garlic butter sauce over the top. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors together.
6. Serve:
Garnish your garlic butter chicken with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve it immediately with your favorite sides, like rice, pasta, or steamed veggies. Enjoy your meal!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts for richer flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time as dark meat may take a bit longer to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Garlic?
If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. About 1 teaspoon should do the trick! Keep in mind that fresh garlic has a different flavor profile, so adjust to taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then store them separately. Just reheat on the stove when you’re ready to serve. Consider leaving out the parsley garnish until serving for freshness!
