Garlic Butter Chicken

Savor the flavors of tender garlic butter chicken cooked to golden perfection in just 30 minutes. This quick and easy recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich garlic butter sauce, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or family dinners. Pair it with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and comforting meal. Whether you’re meal prepping or need a simple dinner idea, this garlic butter chicken is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try this flavorful recipe today and elevate your dinner game with minimal effort!

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Pounded to an even thickness for even cooking (around 4 average-sized breasts).
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning or 21 Salute seasoning – Adds a well-rounded flavor to the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Season to taste.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adjust to taste.
• ½ cup white wine or chicken broth – For deglazing the pan and adding depth to the sauce.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Creates a rich garlic butter sauce (feel free to add more for extra sauciness).
• 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced – Infuses the sauce with a fragrant garlic flavor.
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish and a pop of color.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken:

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pounded chicken breasts, seasoning them evenly with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken sear without moving it for 5 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust.
2. Flip and Cook Through: Turn the chicken over and cook for another 5-7 minutes until done, depending on thickness. The chicken should be fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Carefully pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the skillet. Let the liquid bubble and reduce slightly, lifting any flavorful bits from the pan.
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Add the butter to the skillet, stirring constantly until melted. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Coat the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to ensure each piece is well-covered.
6. Serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts:

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and prevents dry, overcooked edges.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming, which can prevent a golden crust from forming.
• Deglazing the Pan: White wine adds a nice depth of flavor, but chicken broth works just as well if you prefer an alcohol-free option.
• Add Extra Butter for More Sauce: If you love extra sauce, feel free to add an extra tablespoon or two of butter when preparing the sauce.
• Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute, ensuring moist, tender results.

Recipe FAQs:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and add extra juiciness. You may need to adjust the cooking time as thighs generally take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for white wine?
If you’d rather not use white wine, chicken broth is a great substitute. It adds flavor and helps deglaze the pan just as effectively.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check. If you don’t have one, ensure the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the center.

Can I make the sauce creamier?
For a creamier sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after adding the butter and garlic.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Enjoy making this flavorful and easy garlic butter chicken!