Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, but you can use thighs for a more flavorful option. They stay juicy and will soak up the garlic butter beautifully.

Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil works well too and has a high smoke point.

Butter: Unsalted butter is key to control the salt levels in the recipe. You can substitute with ghee or a dairy-free butter if you’re avoiding dairy.

Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor! If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder (1 teaspoon). Just remember, it’s not quite the same, but it will still add some kick!

Herbs: I love using fresh herbs when I can since they enhance the flavor beautifully. If you don’t have fresh thyme or parsley, dried versions work fine. Just use about 1/3 of the amount.

How Do I Keep My Chicken Juicy and Tender?

To ensure your chicken stays juicy, drying the chicken with paper towels is key. This helps it brown nicely in the skillet.

• Cook on medium-high heat to achieve a golden crust, sealing in moisture.
• Check doneness with a meat thermometer – 165°F (75°C) is the goal.
• Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute before cutting into it. This keeps it moist.

What’s the Best Way to Enhance the Garlic Flavor?

Sautéing minced garlic in butter is a fantastic way to bring out its flavor. But be careful not to burn it! Here’s how:

• Add garlic to the melted butter and keep an eye on it; it cooks quickly.
• As soon as you smell that wonderful aroma, it’s time to add the chicken broth!
• The trick is to keep the heat moderate—this will give you that aromatic base without the bitterness of burnt garlic.

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
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh if available)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take around 25 minutes from start to finish. About 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the Chicken:

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This helps get a nice sear on them later. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper for flavor.

2. Cooking the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your chicken breasts. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked (you want an internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:

Lower the heat to medium before adding the butter to the same skillet. Let it melt and then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant (watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!).

4. Adding Herbs and Broth:

Next, sprinkle in the dried thyme and parsley, letting it cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavors. Then pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice if you’re using it. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to get all those delicious brown bits! Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken a bit.

5. Combining:

Now, return your cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let them cook together for another 2 minutes so the chicken can soak up all that flavor.

6. Serving:

Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you want to add a pop of color. Serve the chicken hot with your choice of sides, like rice or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your delicious and easy garlic butter chicken!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the same internal temperature.

What Other Herbs Can I Use?

If you don’t have thyme or parsley, you can get creative with other herbs! Oregano, rosemary, or basil would all complement the garlic butter sauce beautifully. Just keep the quantity similar to the original recipe.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems too dry.

Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?

Yes, you can prep the garlic butter sauce ahead of time! Just cook and store it separately from the chicken. When you’re ready to serve, cook the chicken fresh and combine them to preserve the sauce’s flavor and consistency.