Craving a simple yet flavorful dish that can satisfy your taste buds and leave everyone at the dinner table asking for more? This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is the answer! It combines tender chicken, rich garlic, and buttery goodness into a meal that’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to make the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken. Stick around to learn all the tips, tricks, and techniques that will help you nail this dish every time!
What is Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic Butter Chicken is a classic dish that marries succulent chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce made from garlic, butter, and herbs. The dish can be made in a single pan and often includes a variety of spices or ingredients like lemon, parsley, and Parmesan cheese to complement the flavors. It's a dish that looks impressive yet is incredibly easy to make, making it a favorite for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken
To get started, here are the basic ingredients you'll need for this tasty Garlic Butter Chicken recipe. These ingredients are easy to find and might already be sitting in your pantry.
- Chicken Breasts (or thighs) – 4 medium, boneless and skinless
- Unsalted Butter – 4 tablespoons
- Garlic Cloves – 4-6 cloves, minced
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon (optional, for a zesty kick)
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
- Chicken Broth – ½ cup (for a richer sauce)
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon (optional, for added color and flavor)
- Parmesan Cheese – ¼ cup, grated (optional but delicious)
- Fresh Thyme or Oregano – 1 teaspoon (for a fragrant herb boost)
Substitutions and Variations
While the ingredients listed above make a perfect Garlic Butter Chicken, you can certainly adapt this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Chicken Thighs – Prefer dark meat? Swap chicken breasts for thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier and offer a richer flavor.
- Vegan Version – Replace the chicken with tofu or seitan, and swap out butter for a plant-based alternative.
- Low-Carb Option – You can use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or pasta as a side dish for a low-carb meal.
- Extra Heat – Love spice? Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give your Garlic Butter Chicken an extra kick.
- Herb Swap – Don’t have fresh parsley? Feel free to use cilantro, basil, or dill, depending on your flavor preference.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Garlic Butter Chicken is a breeze, especially when you follow these easy step-by-step instructions. Let's walk through the process so you can cook this flavorful meal perfectly.
- Prepare the Chicken
First, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika (if using). You want to make sure both sides of the chicken are well-coated with the seasoning. - Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter. Let it melt and then add the minced garlic. Stir continuously to avoid burning the garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Add the Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice (if using). Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift the flavorful bits stuck to the skillet from searing the chicken. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. - Return the Chicken to the Pan
Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken, ensuring the pieces are well-coated. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Garlic Butter Chicken is an easy recipe, there are a few mistakes that could affect the quality of your dish. Here are some common ones to avoid:
- Overcooking the Chicken – Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and not more.
- Burning the Garlic – Garlic can burn easily, especially if the heat is too high. Keep the heat on low when sautéing garlic to prevent bitterness.
- Using Cold Chicken – If you cook chicken straight from the fridge, it might not cook evenly. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Not Deglazing the Pan – The browned bits left in the skillet after searing the chicken are packed with flavor. Don’t forget to deglaze the pan with chicken broth or lemon juice.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation matters, especially when you’re serving Garlic Butter Chicken at a family dinner or small gathering. Here are some serving and presentation ideas to make your dish look as great as it tastes.
- Serve with Sides – Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve with rice or pasta.
- Elegant Plating – Slice the chicken breasts before serving to show off the juicy interior. Drizzle extra garlic butter sauce over the slices and sprinkle with parsley.
- Add a Pop of Color – Garnish with thin lemon slices or fresh herbs to add brightness and color to the plate.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken can be served in various ways depending on your preference. Here are some ideas:
- Over Rice or Pasta – The buttery garlic sauce tastes divine when spooned over fluffy rice or al dente pasta.
- With a Light Salad – For a lighter meal, serve the chicken with a crisp, refreshing salad on the side.
- As a Sandwich – Got leftovers? Use the chicken to make a sandwich or wrap. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and a bit of the sauce for a tasty meal on the go.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken
When serving this dish, it’s all about making the Garlic Butter Chicken look appetizing. Here are some ways to elevate your presentation:
- Rustic Style – Serve the chicken straight from the skillet at the table, allowing guests to help themselves. This gives off a homely, comforting vibe.
- Individual Portions – Serve the chicken on individual plates with a neat drizzle of sauce over the top. Add a side of vegetables for balance and a sprinkle of parsley for color.
- Family-Style Platter – Place the chicken on a large platter with lemon wedges, scattered parsley, and a side of bread for guests to dip into the buttery sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Tips
To get the best results, here are some extra tips and tricks for perfecting your Garlic Butter Chicken:
- Butter Matters – Use high-quality butter for a richer flavor. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt levels better.
- Use Fresh Garlic – Fresh garlic has a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred garlic. It’s worth the extra effort!
- Rest the Chicken – After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time and reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s best served fresh.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Butter gives the dish its signature rich flavor, but you can substitute margarine or even a vegan butter alternative if needed.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
Q: Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken?
A: Yes! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple, flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or an elegant dinner party, thanks to its easy preparation and sophisticated taste. Now that you know all the steps, tips, and variations, it’s time to head to the kitchen and whip up this delicious meal! Trust us, your family and friends will thank you.
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breast with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner, this dish is packed with protein and easy to make. Serve with veggies or over rice for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the garlic butter over the top. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the butter sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
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