Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Family Hit

Succulent chicken meets its delectable match in this irresistible garlic butter chicken recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Tender pieces of chicken sizzle and dance in a rich, golden butter sauce infused with robust garlic notes.

Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory flavors that will transport you to culinary bliss.

The recipe’s simple ingredients belie its extraordinary depth of taste, making it a weeknight dinner champion.

Aromatic garlic melts into creamy butter, creating a luxurious coating that seals in the chicken natural juiciness.

Home cooks and food enthusiasts alike will fall in love with this restaurant-quality dish that comes together in mere minutes.

Let’s find out this mouthwatering creation and let your kitchen become a flavor sanctuary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Delight

For Protein:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Select fresh, high-quality chicken with uniform thickness for even cooking and tender results.
  • Twenty-One Salute Seasoning or Poultry Seasoning: Adds complex, aromatic flavor profiles that enhance the chicken's natural taste.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Provides robust, pungent depth and classic aromatic base for the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Creates golden-brown sear and helps distribute heat evenly during cooking.
  • Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel to the sauce.
  • White Wine or Chicken Broth: Builds layers of moisture and creates delicious pan sauce.
  • Kosher Salt: Balances and amplifies overall seasoning intensity.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and sharp, earthy undertones.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers bright, fresh garnish with subtle herbaceous notes and vibrant color contrast.

Equipment List for Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Large skillet: Essential for searing and cooking chicken evenly.
  • Slotted spatula: Perfect for transferring chicken without losing juices.
  • Knife: Needed for pounding and mincing garlic.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately season the chicken.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing sauce.

Garlic Butter Chicken Cooking Instructions

  • Skillet Preparation

Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and drizzle with a splash of olive oil, creating a perfect golden cooking surface.

  • Chicken Searing

Place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, letting it develop a gorgeous caramelized exterior without moving for several minutes until a rich brown color emerges.

  • Careful Flipping

Gently turn the chicken, allowing the second side to cook equally beautifully and reach perfect internal temperature.

  • Creating the Sauce

Remove chicken from pan and quickly deglaze with a splash of wine, creating delicious pan remnants that will transform into a luxurious sauce.

  • Butter Magic

Introduce cold butter into the skillet, swirling and melting it into a silky liquid that will capture incredible flavor from the pan’s remnants.

  • Garlic Infusion

Drop fragrant garlic into the butter, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence without burning.

  • Final Touch

Return chicken to the pan, coating it generously with the rich, garlicky butter sauce and letting the flavors marry perfectly.

  • Serving

Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top and garnishing with fresh herbs for a stunning presentation.

Chicken Tips for Better Garlic Butter Flavor

  • Tender Tricks for Delicious Results
  • Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges, helping each bite remain juicy and perfectly seasoned.
  • Choose dry white wines like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio for deglazing, which adds complex flavor layers without overwhelming the delicate chicken profile.
  • Use unsalted butter to control salt levels and allow better sauce consistency; room temperature butter melts more smoothly and incorporates faster into the pan sauce.
  • Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish – it brings bright, fresh notes that cut through the richness of garlic butter, elevating the entire dish's flavor complexity.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein without guesswork.

Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Right

  • Dinner Date Night Delight: Impress your significant other with this elegant yet easy-to-make chicken dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
  • Meal Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted asparagus to complement the rich garlic butter sauce and soak up every delicious drop.
  • Wine Companion Choice: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that will enhance the delicate chicken flavors and match the wine used in cooking.
  • Quick Leftover Transform: Slice remaining chicken and toss into a fresh salad or stuff inside a crusty baguette for a delectable next-day lunch that keeps the flavor excitement going.

Best Storage Method for Garlic Butter Chicken Leftovers

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container, keeping it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. The garlic butter sauce maintains its delicious flavor when sealed tightly.
  • Quick Reheat Hack: Warm chicken gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of broth or water to retain moisture and revive the original juiciness.
  • Freezer-Friendly Trick: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen chicken stays delectable for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Sauce Separation Strategy: Store garlic butter sauce separately from chicken to maintain optimal texture. Refrigerate in a small glass container with a tight lid, using within 5 days for best quality.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken promises a rich, homestyle meal with Mediterranean influences. Crispy, herbed chicken thighs deliver complex flavors you’ll savor alongside roasted vegetables and warm bread.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts, boneless skinless, pounded to an even thickness
  • 3 tbsps olive oil
  • 3 tbsps unsalted butter, or more if you want extra sauce
  • 1 tbsp garlic, finely minced; or to taste
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 to 2 tsps twenty-one salute seasoning or poultry seasoning
  • 0.5 cup white wine or chicken broth, or as necessary
  • 2 tsps fresh parsley, optional for garnishing

Instructions

  1. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking surface for chicken breasts seasoned with 21 Salute seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  2. Cooking Chicken: Allow chicken to sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, developing a golden-brown crust, then flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Sauce Preparation: Deglaze skillet with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Reduce liquid by half, then introduce unsalted butter, stirring until melted and creating a smooth sauce.
  4. Garlic Infusion: Add finely minced garlic, sautéing briefly until fragrant without browning, which could introduce bitterness.
  5. Final Touch: Return chicken to the skillet, generously coating with garlic butter sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, showcasing a rich, flavorful dish with a glossy finish.

Notes

  • Pound for Perfection: Flatten chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tender meat that absorbs sauce beautifully.
  • Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
  • Searing Secrets: Keep chicken undisturbed during initial cooking to develop a crispy, golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and moisture.
  • Sauce Timing: Add garlic quickly and watch carefully to prevent burning, which can introduce bitter flavors to your delicate butter sauce.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star