Quick & Juicy Tender Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Crispy, juicy chicken thighs dance with rich garlic butter in this mouthwatering recipe that promises pure comfort.

Succulent pieces of chicken soak in a luxurious garlic butter sauce that melts effortlessly into every bite.

The golden-brown exterior gives way to perfectly seasoned meat that seems to whisper culinary magic.

Salt and herbs create a delicate balance of flavors that elevates this simple dish into something extraordinary.

Each forkful promises a burst of savory goodness that makes weeknight dinners feel special.

Your family will devour this recipe faster than you can plate it, begging for seconds before the first round is finished.

Prepare to fall in love with the most addictive chicken recipe in your cooking arsenal.

What Tools You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy garlic butter sauce.
• Measuring spoons: Perfect for accurately measuring salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken and moving pieces in the skillet.
• Chef's knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure chicken broth and lemon juice precisely.

Garlic Butter Chicken Cooking Walkthrough

• Prepare Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken breasts, then gently dust with flour, letting excess fall away. This creates a delicate coating that’ll help lock in moisture and flavor.

• Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter until it shimmers. Carefully place chicken breasts into the pan, cooking each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Once cooked through, transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

• Craft Luxurious Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic, releasing its aromatic. Pour in chicken broth, squeeze fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle Italian seasoning. Stir everything together, creating a velvety sauce that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Bring It All Together

Return chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the bubbling sauce. Let everything simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the chicken to absorb the rich, garlicky goodness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Shower the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Plate immediately and get ready for a meal that’ll transport you straight to culinary bliss.

Tasty Tweaks for Garlic Butter Chicken Recipes

• Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Swap butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals while maintaining rich, creamy texture.
• Replace flour dredging with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version that keeps the crispy exterior without added carbohydrates.
• Prepare chicken and sauce separately, then store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in skillet to preserve tenderness and prevent overcooking.
• Add a splash of white wine or heavy cream to the sauce for extra depth and richness, transforming the basic recipe into a restaurant-quality dish.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Beautifully

• Fresh Garden Pairing: Complement the creamy garlic butter chicken with a crisp mixed green salad topped with cherry tomatoes and light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Restaurant-Style Plating: Arrange chicken on a white plate, drizzle extra sauce around the edges, and sprinkle chopped parsley for an elegant, professional presentation that elevates home cooking.
• Wine and Dine: Pair this rich, buttery dish with a chilled glass of crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the garlic and lemon notes, creating a delightful dining experience.
• Side Dish Harmony: Serve alongside roasted rosemary potatoes or creamy mashed cauliflower to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce and add nutritious variety to the plate.

Store Garlic Butter Chicken the Smart Way

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Seal tightly to lock in flavors and prevent cross-contamination.
• Warm chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Cover the pan to trap steam and ensure even heating, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
• Refrigerated chicken stays delicious for 3-4 days when properly sealed. For longer preservation, freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, separating sauce and chicken to prevent texture breakdown.
• Slice leftover chicken and add to salads, wraps, or grain bowls for quick, protein-packed lunches. Repurpose the garlic butter sauce as a versatile dressing or dipping condiment to minimize food waste and maximize flavor enjoyment.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked, typically 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.

• Do I need to use both olive oil and butter?

The combination helps prevent butter from burning and adds rich flavor. If you prefer, you can use just one, but the blend creates a better taste and texture.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part to be safe for consumption.

• What can I do if my sauce is too thin?

If the sauce seems watery, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water to help it thicken quickly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 5

Garlic Butter Chicken:: Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender cut that absorbs flavors beautifully; choose plump, fresh breasts with minimal discoloration.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out chicken's natural taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a delicate golden crust and helps thicken sauce; use unbleached variety for best results.

• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fat and helps prevent sticking; select extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates silky sauce; use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Garlic: Provides bold, aromatic base; choose fresh cloves for most intense flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds depth and complexity; look for a mix without added salt.
• Chicken Broth: Creates liquid base for sauce; low-sodium options recommended for balanced taste.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens overall dish with tangy freshness; fresh squeezed preferred over bottled.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and light herbal note; choose bright green leaves without wilting.

Tender Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Garlic butter chicken emerges as a culinary delight from Southern kitchens. Succulent chicken breasts bathed in rich, herb-infused butter sauce promise comfort on your dinner plate.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup (120 ml) all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
• 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter, divided
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning and Coating: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then lightly dust with flour, shaking off excess.
2. Searing the Chicken: Warm olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts 4-5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked, then set aside.
3. Creating the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and lemon juice, whisking to combine and develop a rich, aromatic sauce.
4. Combining and Simmering: Reduce heat and allow sauce to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the garlic butter sauce and warming through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken, adding a vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while chicken is hot and sauce is at its peak flavor.

Notes

Optimize Flour Coating: Ensure an even, light flour dusting by using a sifter or strainer for uniform coverage, preventing clumpy or uneven coating that might affect the chicken’s golden-brown crust.

Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing perfectly cooked meat without drying out or undercooking.

Sauce Consistency Trick: If sauce appears too thin, create a quick slurry with cornstarch and water, stirring gently to thicken the garlic butter sauce without altering its rich flavor profile.

Dietary Adaptation: Transform the recipe into a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or cornstarch, maintaining the crispy exterior while accommodating gluten-sensitive diners.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg