The Best Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe That Melts In Your Mouth

Crispy, golden chicken breasts draped in rich garlic butter create a mouthwatering canvas for weeknight dinner magic.

Succulent pieces of protein promise incredible flavor with minimal effort.

butter melts into each tender bite, infusing deep, savory notes that make taste buds dance.

Juicy meat beneath a golden exterior signals culinary satisfaction waiting to happen.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike can master this simple yet impressive dish.

Pantry staples merge into a restaurant-quality meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Prepare to savor every decadent, perfectly seasoned morsel.

Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this chicken its signature flavor?

The combination of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic, and lemon creates a rich, tangy profile that makes this chicken incredibly delicious and aromatic.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or chicken tenders. Just adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the meat to ensure it’s fully cooked.

• Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Absolutely! This garlic butter chicken is naturally low-carb and high in protein, making it perfect for keto and low-carb eating plans.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Garlic Butter Chicken: Simple and Tasty

• Quick and Easy Cooking: Whip up a delicious meal in less than 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
• Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a mouthwatering combination of garlic, butter, and zesty lemon that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or impressing guests with minimal cooking skills required.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses a single pan from start to finish, making cooking and washing up a breeze.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean meat that serves as the primary protein in this flavorful dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika: A harmonious mix of spices that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking base and helps prevent sticking.
• Butter: Creates a rich, creamy sauce with a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that infuses the entire dish.
• Chicken Broth (or Wine): Adds moisture and enhances the overall sauce depth.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy acidity to balance the richness.

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Thyme: Adds a final touch of color and fresh herbal notes to the dish.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Spice Up Your Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a flavor explosion.

Sprinkle salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika all over, making sure each piece is perfectly coated with delicious seasonings.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan.

Let it cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Magic

In the same skillet, drop in butter and watch it melt.

Add minced garlic and let it dance around, releasing its incredible aroma until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 4: Build the Luxurious Sauce

Pour in chicken broth or white wine along with fresh lemon juice.

Let the liquid simmer and blend together for about 2 minutes, creating a mouthwatering sauce that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Gently place the cooked chicken back into the skillet.

Spoon the garlic butter sauce generously over each piece, allowing the flavors to mingle.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let everything get acquainted.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the sauce is gloriously rich.

Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Adjust seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing herbs and spices based on personal taste preferences.
• Monitor chicken cooking time closely to prevent overcooking and maintain juicy meat texture.
• Add a splash of white wine for deeper flavor complexity and more sophisticated sauce profile.
• Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F without becoming tough.
• Prepare extra chicken and sauce to store in refrigerator for quick lunch or dinner next day, keeping flavors intact.

Variations to Try with Garlic Butter Chicken

• Low-Carb Herb Delight: Replace chicken breasts with turkey cutlets or thin pork chops for a leaner protein option. Use ghee instead of butter to enhance flavor and reduce dairy.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Add kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to transform the sauce. Swap Italian seasoning for za'atar spice blend for an authentic Middle Eastern profile.
• Dairy-Free Wellness: Substitute butter with coconut oil or avocado oil. Use coconut milk or almond milk-based broth for a creamy sauce without dairy. Choose fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for additional brightness.

Serving Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Cozy Family Dinner: Pair this juicy garlic butter chicken with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that brings everyone together.
• Restaurant-Style Plating: Slice chicken diagonally and fan out over a bed of wild rice pilaf, drizzling extra garlic butter sauce for elegant presentation.
• Fresh Side Companions: Roast seasonal vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans alongside the chicken to add vibrant colors and nutritious balance to the plate.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the zesty lemon and rich butter flavors with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay for a delightful dining experience.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken delivers mouthwatering flavors from classic Italian kitchens. Herbs, tender chicken, and rich butter create a simple yet elegant meal you can master in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)

Fats and Oils:

• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of thyme, oregano, and basil)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth (or white wine)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or thyme

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken breasts with a robust blend of seasonings, creating a harmonious flavor profile that promises culinary delight.
2. Sear the seasoned chicken in a sizzling skillet with olive oil at medium heat, developing a golden-brown exterior and ensuring thorough internal cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and juiciness.
4. Transform the same skillet into a aromatic haven by melting butter and introducing minced garlic, releasing its intense fragrance throughout the kitchen.
5. Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth and tangy lemon juice, allowing the liquids to create a rich, complex sauce for approximately 2 minutes.
6. Reintroduce the chicken into the skillet, gently bathing each piece in the luxurious garlic butter sauce, allowing the flavors to meld for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and herbal notes by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or thyme across the surface, creating a vibrant finishing touch.
8. Serve the chicken immediately, ensuring guests experience the optimal temperature and flavor intensity of this gourmet preparation.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help create a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance flavor absorption.
• For a healthier version, swap butter with olive oil or use a lighter butter alternative to reduce saturated fat content.
• Customize seasoning by experimenting with different herb blends like herbes de Provence or Cajun spice mix for varied flavor profiles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 321 kcal
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 103 mg