This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is juicy, tasty, and quick to make! Just chicken cooked in a buttery garlic sauce that makes it so delicious you’ll want seconds!
The best part? The aroma will have everyone rushing to the table. I love serving mine with rice or veggies for a colorful meal. Trust me, you won’t want leftovers! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. For a juicier option, you could use thighs instead, which are often more forgiving if overcooked.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you could use garlic powder, but fresh is definitely best!
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based butter or olive oil as a substitute.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds richness to the sauce. If you don’t have it, water can work too, but broth really elevates the flavor. Vegetable broth is a good alternative as well!
How Do You Get Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Juicy?
The key to juicy chicken is cooking it properly without drying it out. Start by patting the chicken dry and seasoning well. Cook it over medium-high heat until it’s golden brown, which seals in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer for an accurate reading: it should reach 165°F / 74°C.
- Let it rest after cooking for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside!
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook, making it quick and easy. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken while cooking!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a nice golden-brown color and for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After they’re done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want it to be fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown!
4. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) into the skillet while stirring to deglaze the pan. This means you’ll scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, ensuring all that flavor is included in your sauce.
5. Combine with Herbs:
Add in the dried Italian herbs and let the sauce simmer gently for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Coat the Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over them to coat well. Let it all cook together for another minute or two to warm through and blend those beautiful flavors.
7. Serve Up:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. For a fresh twist, add optional lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken. Enjoy your delicious Easy Garlic Butter Chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. For quick thawing, you can submerge the chicken in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about an hour.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute it with water or vegetable broth. The flavor will be a bit milder, but it will still work fine for the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, or you can use the microwave. Just be careful not to overcook it to avoid drying out the chicken.
Can I Make This Recipe with Other Proteins?
Absolutely! This garlic butter sauce goes well with other proteins like shrimp or pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cook much faster, usually needing only a few minutes, while pork may require a bit longer than chicken.
