Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

If you are craving a dish that delivers big on flavor but is surprisingly simple to prepare, this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With juicy chicken breasts seared to a golden perfection and bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with subtle hints of white wine, this recipe turns ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal. Each bite offers a luscious combination of savory, aromatic goodness that feels both comforting and delightfully elegant — perfect for any day of the week when you want something special without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor — from the succulent chicken breasts to the fragrant garlic and the richness of butter, accentuated by a splash of white wine for brightness. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• Olive oil: Provides a perfect foundation to sear the chicken, helping to lock in moisture and create a crispy golden crust.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded evenly so they cook uniformly and remain juicy throughout.
• 21 Salute seasoning or poultry seasoning: Adds a blend of spices that enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the natural taste of the chicken.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
• White wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and lifts all the flavorful browned bits, adding a subtle acidity or savoriness.
• Unsalted butter: Melts into a silky sauce that bathes the chicken in rich, creamy garlic goodness.
• Fresh minced garlic: The star ingredient, fragrant and bold, making the sauce truly unforgettable.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note for a beautiful finish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring they cook through evenly and stay juicy. Next, drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and sprinkle the chicken with 21 Salute seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This seasoning step sets the stage for great flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet over medium-high heat and let them sear undisturbed for about 5 minutes on one side. Resist the temptation to move them around—this allows a beautiful golden crust to form, locking in the juices that make the chicken so tender.

Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking

Flip the chicken carefully and cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes, or longer if your breasts are thicker. The chicken should be cooked through and exhibit a lovely golden color on each side. Patience here ensures the best texture and flavor.

Step 4: Remove and Rest the Chicken

Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and allow them to rest. Resting is key because it lets the juices redistribute, making every bite succulent.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pan

With a little caution, pour white wine or chicken broth into the still-hot skillet to deglaze it. This step loosens all those wonderful browned bits stuck to the pan, which add tremendous flavor to your sauce as the liquid bubbles up and evaporates slightly.

Step 6: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add butter to the skillet and let it melt completely while stirring, creating a rich and velvety sauce. Then, stir in the finely minced garlic, cooking it just until fragrant—about a minute. This infuses the butter with aromatic, garlicky goodness.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Turn off the heat and return the chicken to the skillet, gently flipping it in the garlic butter sauce to coat thoroughly. Spooning the sauce over the chicken is the final flourish that brings all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

For an optional touch of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the sauce is silky and luscious.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley brighten the dish both visually and in taste, adding a fresh, vibrant touch that balances the richness of the garlic butter. A light sprinkle can make a kitchen-cooked meal feel gourmet.

Side Dishes

This garlic butter chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the delicious sauce beautifully. Roasted or steamed vegetables add texture and color. Even a simple side of white rice or buttery noodles works perfectly, acting as the ideal canvas for the flavorful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside a bright lemony salad to add contrast. You can also plate the chicken atop garlic-infused sautéed spinach for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s impressive but quick to pull together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from the Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps your chicken fresh for up to 3 days while maintaining the flavor of the garlic butter sauce.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked garlic butter chicken for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

For the best results, gently reheat your garlic butter chicken in a non-stick skillet over low to medium heat to warm it through without drying it out. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful. Avoid microwaving if possible, to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, slightly richer option. Just adjust cooking time since thighs may need a bit longer to cook through thoroughly.

What if I don’t have 21 Salute seasoning?

No worries! You can substitute with your favorite poultry seasoning or simply a mix of garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme and oregano to create a similar flavor profile.

Is white wine necessary for the sauce?

White wine adds brightness and depth, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, chicken broth is a perfect alternative that still helps deglaze the pan and develop a tasty sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth or wine and check your seasoning blend for any hidden gluten ingredients.

How can I make the sauce extra garlicky?

Simply increase the amount of minced garlic according to your preference. Adding garlic slowly at the cooking stage ensures it remains fragrant without turning bitter.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe enough if you’re looking to elevate a simple weeknight dinner or impress guests with something effortlessly delicious. It’s quick, flavorful, and has that comforting homemade feel with a touch of elegance. Give it a try—you’ll likely find yourself making it again and again!

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