This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a winner! Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce that makes every bite super tasty. Who doesn’t love garlic and butter together?
Honestly, this dish is so quick to make, it feels like magic! I often whip it up on busy nights, and it always impresses my family. Serve it with rice or veggies for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here! For a twist, you can substitute thighs for a juicier option, or even use tofu for a plant-based meal.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter since it lets me control the salt level. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this recipe, but garlic powder will do in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to keep the flavor similar. Adjust according to your taste!
Chicken Broth: Feel free to use vegetable broth for a lighter taste. If you have white wine, it adds extra flavor, but if you want to skip alcohol, stick with broth.
How Can I Cook Chicken Breast Without Drying It Out?
To keep the chicken juicy, use these tips:
- Make sure your chicken is patted dry; this helps it brown nicely.
- Cook on medium heat, so the outside doesn’t burn before the inside is done.
- Use a meat thermometer; 165°F (75°C) is the magic number for safe and juicy chicken.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing, so the juices redistribute.
These simple steps ensure your garlic butter chicken turns out moist and delicious every time!
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for some color and mild flavor)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe comes together in about 25 minutes! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and about 15 minutes cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better! Season both sides with a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and optional paprika for a bit of color and flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through (use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant but not burnt—keep an eye on it!
4. Add the Liquid:
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, and the fresh lemon juice. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to lift all the tasty bits stuck there. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes so the sauce can slightly reduce and intensify in flavor.
5. Finish the Dish:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of that delicious sauce over the top, and let them cook for another minute to warm through and soak up the flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your chicken with chopped parsley if you like. Serve it hot with your favorite side dishes such as rice, steamed vegetables, or pasta. Enjoy your tasty, buttery garlic chicken!
FAQ about Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best ways to thaw are overnight in the fridge or by running the sealed chicken under cold water for about an hour. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven cooking, so thawing is the way to go!
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or even water, though broth will provide more flavor. Dry white wine is a great alternative too, just remember to cook it down to reduce its acidity!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
