If you’re looking for a meal that’s as comforting as it is impressive, Garlic Butter Chicken is your new best friend. This recipe delivers juicy, golden chicken breasts bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a pop of lemon and a shower of fresh parsley. It’s the kind of dish that comes together quickly on a busy night but tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, Garlic Butter Chicken always steals the show with its irresistible aroma and flavor.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of kitchen staples, you can create a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Each ingredient in Garlic Butter Chicken plays a special role, from the savory chicken to the vibrant finish of lemon and parsley. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and soak up the luscious sauce beautifully.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the savory notes in the chicken.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and rounds out the flavors.
Paprika: Provides a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection while keeping it moist.
Unsalted butter: The star ingredient, creating a rich, silky sauce that clings to every bite.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with its signature aroma and flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat, if you like a little spice in your life.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and forms the base of the sauce, adding extra savoriness.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity that brightens up the whole dish.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then sprinkle both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning locks in moisture and sets the stage for that delicious crust you’ll get in the skillet.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and half of the butter (2 tablespoons) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm—the carryover heat will finish the job while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

With the skillet still hot, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, just until fragrant (keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn). If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes—it should thicken just a bit and smell absolutely incredible.

Step 4: Finish the Chicken

Return the chicken breasts (plus any juices from the plate) back to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce generously over the top and let it simmer for another minute so the flavors really mingle. Right before serving, scatter the chopped parsley over everything for a fresh, vibrant finish.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous flavor that beautifully balances the rich sauce. If you want to take things up a notch, a few extra lemon wedges on the side let everyone add a fresh squeeze of citrus right at the table.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Chicken is practically begging to be paired with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a pile of roasted vegetables. These sides soak up every drop of the luscious sauce, turning a simple meal into something spectacular. If you’re feeling fancy, a side of buttery noodles or even a crisp green salad makes a lovely accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, try slicing the chicken breasts and fanning them out on a platter with the sauce drizzled over the top. Or, serve each chicken breast whole on a bed of mashed potatoes, letting the garlic butter sauce pool around the edges. No matter how you plate it, Garlic Butter Chicken always looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag (try to press out as much air as possible). It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For best texture, gently reheat Garlic Butter Chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, but be careful not to overcook the chicken so it stays juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make Garlic Butter Chicken dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the butter for a good-quality vegan butter or extra olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but you’ll still get a delicious, savory result.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer—your chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part. If you don’t have one, the juices should run clear and the meat should feel firm to the touch.

Can I add vegetables directly to the skillet?

Definitely! After removing the chicken, sauté some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms in the same skillet before making the sauce. They’ll soak up all that garlicky goodness.

What if I want a creamier sauce?

For an extra indulgent touch, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche right at the end. The sauce will be even richer and more luxurious!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Garlic Butter Chicken yet, you’re in for a treat. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular night into something special with minimal effort. Gather your favorite people, whip up this dish, and watch it disappear—there won’t be a crumb left on anyone’s plate!

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make Garlic Butter Chicken recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika

Cooking

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor before cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and keep warm covered loosely with foil.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. If using, add the crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice into the skillet while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens.
Combine and Garnish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish and serve hot.