This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is full of flavor and super simple to make! Juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce will make your taste buds dance.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of garlic cooking? I often whip this up for a quick dinner, and it’s always a hit. Plus, it pairs great with rice or veggies—easy peasy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can substitute them with thighs for a richer taste, or use turkey cutlets for a lean option.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives control over saltiness, but you could use salted butter if that’s what you have. I like mixing in a splash of olive oil with the butter for added flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here for that wonderful aroma. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too, but start with 1 teaspoon, as it’s more potent.
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works well or you can even use water with a pinch of salt. It may not have the same depth of flavor, but it will still be delicious.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but these steps help! First, use a meat thermometer for best results; the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) inside.
- Start with a hot skillet to sear the chicken quickly, locking in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this makes it cook evenly.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it moist!
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mixed dried herbs)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, so you’re looking at a total of 30 minutes to have a delicious dinner ready on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor and make the chicken delicious!
2. Heat the Pan:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. This will create a beautiful base for cooking the chicken.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they’re nicely browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Let the butter melt, then add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté this mixture for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
5. Add the Broth and Lemon Juice:
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to get all the tasty bits. This adds a lot of flavor to your sauce!
6. Simmer the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens. This will make it rich and perfect for coating the chicken.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of that delicious sauce over them, and cook for another minute just to warm them up again.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley for a splash of color and freshness! Serve your garlic butter chicken with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite veggies. Enjoy!
Can I Use Skin-On Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts or thighs! Just be aware that you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. The skin will add extra flavor and crispiness!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works well, or you can use water mixed with a little salt for flavor. Just keep in mind that chicken broth will add more depth to the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to ensure the chicken stays moist.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter to keep the rich flavors while making it dairy-free.
