Garlic Butter Chicken
Introduction
Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Looking for a satisfying, flavor-packed dinner idea? This Garlic Butter Chicken is just the dish you need. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and drenched in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s full of savory goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s an excellent go-to meal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting yet simple.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Essential Components
– Chicken breasts: 4 pieces, boneless and skinless
– Garlic cloves: 4, minced
– Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
– Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
– Chicken broth: 1/3 cup
– Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (fresh, optional)
– Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped (for garnish)
– Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
– Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Prep Time
Schedule Your Cooking
Preparing this dish is easy and fast. Set aside about 5 minutes to get everything ready. This includes mincing garlic, seasoning your chicken, and gathering the few ingredients you’ll need.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The Complete Timeline
Cook Time: The chicken cooks in approximately 15 minutes, ensuring a juicy and tender result without overcooking.
Total Time: From start to finish, you’ll need just 20 minutes to savor this delectable recipe.
Yield: This recipe serves 4, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week. Cooking a larger batch for guests? Simply double or triple the ingredients accordingly.
With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe will have you enjoying an indulgent restaurant-quality meal in no time at all!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat the Skillet
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Ensure the pan is well coated and hot before adding the chicken.
Cook the Chicken
1. Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet in a single layer.
2. Sear the chicken on the first side for about 7-8 minutes, without moving it, until golden brown.
3. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 7-8 minutes, until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
1. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
2. In the same skillet, melt the butter, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Stir in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Finish the Dish
1. Return the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet.
2. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken to coat it.
3. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm everything together.
4. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
Chicken Thickness
– If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
Garlic Cooking Tip
– Garlic can burn quickly. Keep it on medium-low heat and stir constantly to avoid burning.
Optional Variations
– You can add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for a tangy flavor.
– To make it creamy, stir in some heavy cream at the end.
Storage Instructions
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
– Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat for best results. Add extra chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
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Cook Techniques
How to Create a Garlic Butter Sauce
The garlic butter sauce is the star of this recipe. Melt the butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and cook just until fragrant, ensuring not to brown the garlic.
Cooking the Chicken Properly
Sear the chicken over medium-high heat until golden on both sides. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Building the Sauce with Broth
After cooking the chicken, add chicken broth to the pan along with the garlic butter mixture to enhance the flavor and create a rich, saucy consistency.
Deglazing the Pan
Use the chicken broth to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add depth of flavor to the sauce.
Finishing with Fresh Parsley
For added freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on the finished dish before serving. This simple garnish enhances both flavor and presentation.
FAQ
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken?
Yes, but the cooking time will increase, and you’ll need to ensure the meat next to the bone reaches 165°F.
What Sides Can I Serve With This?
This dish pairs well with vegetables or a low-carb option like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a salad.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as no gluten-containing ingredients are used.
Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
This dish relies on butter for flavor, but you can experiment with a dairy-free substitute like vegan butter.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to prevent the sauce from separating.
Can I Use Pre-Minced Garlic?
Freshly minced garlic is recommended for optimal flavor, but you can use pre-minced garlic as a time-saver.
What If My Sauce Is Too Thin?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, you can add a pinch of xanthan gum or whisk in a small amount of heavy cream.
Conclusion
Garlic butter chicken is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that combines the richness of butter with the aromatic goodness of garlic. It’s an easy-to-make and versatile option that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With perfectly tender chicken and a luscious, buttery garlic sauce, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Savor every bite and enjoy how effortlessly it elevates your dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Butter Shrimp
A seafood twist to your garlic butter cravings, featuring plump shrimp smothered in the same delicious sauce.
Garlic Butter Green Beans
A quick and healthy side dish that perfectly complements the buttery, garlicky flavors of your chicken.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Tender bites of steak cooked to perfection in a garlic butter sauce, great as a main dish or appetizer.
Mashed Cauliflower
A creamy and low-carb option to serve alongside the chicken, perfectly soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Garlic Butter Salmon
Enjoy the same luscious flavor profile by swapping chicken for tender, flaky salmon fillets.
Lemon Herb Rice
The tangy brightness of lemon mixed with the earthy elements of herbs pairs beautifully with garlic butter chicken.
Roasted Vegetables
Broccoli, carrots, and zucchini roasted with a hint of garlic butter make a hearty and colorful pairing.
Creamed Spinach
This creamy classic complements the rich sauce of the garlic butter chicken, adding a luxurious touch to your meal.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
A savory side dish that doubles as a topping for the chicken or can be enjoyed on its own.
