Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate weeknight meal that combines tender chicken with a decadent garlic butter sauce. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly flavorful. Perfect for busy weekdays or a cozy family dinner, Garlic Butter Chicken will impress everyone at the table. With just 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious dish that can easily become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Rich Flavor: The garlic butter sauce adds a depth of flavor that elevates the chicken.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables for a complete meal.
• Easy Cleanup: Cook everything in one skillet for less mess and hassle.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this savory dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having the proper equipment can help streamline the cooking process and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Slotted spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Meat mallet
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good-quality skillet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that beautifully seared chicken.
• Slotted spatula: This tool allows you to lift the chicken without losing any juices from the pan.
• Meat mallet: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks uniformly and stays tender.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup white apple vinegar or chicken broth (or as necessary)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more if you want extra sauce)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced; or to taste)

For Garnish

• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

To begin, add olive oil to your skillet over medium-high heat. Season your pounded chicken with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper, then place it in the hot skillet. Cook for 5 minutes without touching it to allow a nice sear to form.

Step 2: Flip and Cook Through

After 5 minutes, carefully flip the chicken over. Allow it to cook on this side for about another 5 minutes until fully cooked. Again, avoid disturbing it during this process.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet using a slotted spatula. Place it on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet

With caution, pour in your apple vinegar or broth into the skillet. Allow it to bubble vigorously for several seconds as it deglazes, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck on the bottom.

Step 5: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

Add unsalted butter into the bubbling liquid and stir continuously until melted—this should take about one minute. Then add finely minced garlic and cook until fragrant, which should take about one minute.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Turn off the heat and return your seared chicken back into the skillet. Flip it around in that luscious garlic butter sauce and spoon some over each piece.

Step 7: Serve

If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving immediately. Enjoy your delightful Garlic Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to delight your family and guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate this flavorful meal.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice: A classic choice, steamed rice absorbs the garlic butter sauce perfectly.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and texture.

On Pasta

• Fettuccine: Tossed with the garlic butter sauce, fettuccine makes for a hearty meal.
• Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb alternative that’s light and refreshing.

With Vegetables

• Roasted Asparagus: The slight bitterness of asparagus pairs well with the richness of garlic butter.
• Sautéed Spinach: A quick sauté enhances the flavors without overwhelming the dish.

In a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Chilled romaine and parmesan add crunch, perfectly complementing the warm chicken.
• Greek Salad: Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives provide brightness against the savory chicken.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve the best Garlic Butter Chicken, consider these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use Evenly Pounded Chicken: This ensures uniform cooking and prevents dryness.
• Don’t Disturb While Searing: Allowing the chicken to sear undisturbed creates a beautiful crust.
• Deglaze Properly: Scrape up any bits from the pan; they add incredible flavor to your sauce.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Personalize your dish by modifying salt or spices according to preference.
• Let it Rest After Cooking: This keeps the chicken juicy by allowing the juices to redistribute.
• Garnish for Color: Adding parsley not only enhances presentation but also adds a fresh flavor contrast.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

When planning your meal, pairing sides with Garlic Butter Chicken is essential for a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some excellent side dishes that complement this dish wonderfully.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a perfect match.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious contrast to rich flavors.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with vegetables offers a healthy grain option.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings an enjoyable crunch and sweetness to balance savory chicken.
5. Coleslaw: The crispness and tanginess of coleslaw provide a delightful texture contrast.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet and nutritious, these add color and flavor diversity to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Butter Chicken, a few common pitfalls can detract from your dish. Here are mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to blandness. Always season both sides generously for flavor throughout.

• Overcrowding the skillet: Adding too many pieces of chicken at once can lower the skillet’s temperature. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect sear.

• Not letting it rest: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can cause juices to escape. Allowing it to rest for a few minutes helps retain moisture.

• Ignoring the cooking time: Cooking times can vary based on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Neglecting the garlic: Adding garlic too early can burn and become bitter. Stir it in just after the butter has melted for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Garlic Butter Chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, being careful not to overcook.

• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth or water. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and delicious meal featuring tender chicken cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce, often enhanced with apple vinegar for extra flavor.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes! While boneless skinless breasts are ideal, you can also use thighs or drumsticks. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on thickness.

How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken spicy?

To add some heat, consider sprinkling red pepper flakes into the garlic butter sauce or marinating the chicken with your favorite hot sauce before cooking.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the skillet during cooking for added nutrition and flavor diversity.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or steamed veggies. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its rich sauce and tender meat, this dish is versatile enough to accommodate various sides and customization options. We encourage you to give it a try—your family will love it!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Garlic Butter Chicken

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful weeknight meal that combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich garlic butter sauce, making it an instant family favorite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 to 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup white apple vinegar or chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the pounded chicken with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper; sear for 5 minutes without moving.
3. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken and deglaze the skillet with apple vinegar or broth.
5. Stir in butter and minced garlic; cook until fragrant.
6. Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over it.
7. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 46g
• Cholesterol: 120mg