Garlic Butter Chicken served with vegetables and mashed potatoes.

Succulent Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe: An Irresistible Delight

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Succulent Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is the epitome of comfort food, blending simplicity and indulgence into a dish that will win over your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this recipe has everything you need. The tender, juicy chicken infused with rich garlic butter sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (4 pieces, approximately 1.5 pounds).
  • Butter: Unsalted, 4 tablespoons, divided.
  • Garlic: Minced, 4 cloves (fresh garlic works best).
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for searing.
  • Chicken Broth: 1 cup to enhance the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon.
  • Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional).
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste.
  • Optional Additions: Red chili flakes, parmesan, or thyme for extra flavor.

Directions

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    • Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Sear the Chicken
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt.
    • Place the chicken in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
  3. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
    • In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and collect the flavorful bits.
  4. Simmer and Combine
    • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over it to coat evenly.
  5. Garnish and Serve
    • Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a small family meal or leftovers.
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes.
  • Total Time: 30 minutes.

Variations

  1. Herb-Encrusted Garlic Butter Chicken
    • Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter sauce for a deeper aromatic flavor.
  2. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
    • Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream during the sauce preparation for a luscious, creamy texture.
  3. Spicy Twist
    • Sprinkle red chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the sauce to give your chicken a spicy kick.
  4. Keto-Friendly Option
    • Replace chicken broth with bone broth and pair with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

  1. Can I use bone-in chicken?
    • Absolutely! Bone-in chicken works well but will require a slightly longer cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  2. What sides pair best with this recipe?
    • Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, crusty bread, or a simple salad.
  3. Can I make this dairy-free?
    • Yes, substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
  4. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
    • If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water during the simmering stage.
  5. Can I make it ahead of time?
    • Certainly! Cook the chicken and sauce separately, storing them in the refrigerator. Reheat together when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Succulent Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is a foolproof way to elevate your dinner table with minimal effort. Its rich and buttery flavor, combined with the zesty hint of lemon, creates a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is a must-try for chicken lovers. With versatile variations and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Try it today and experience why this dish is a crowd favorite!

Further Exploration of Garlic Butter Chicken Recipes

If you’re inspired by the Succulent Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe, here are additional recipes that complement this dish beautifully and expand your culinary adventures:

These recipes can serve as rich inspiration to diversify your meal planning while keeping garlic and chicken at the heart of your cooking!