Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings tender, juicy chicken together with a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. In just 15 minutes, you can serve a family favorite that impresses with its incredible flavor and simplicity. The splash of white wine elevates the dish, making it suitable for both casual dinners and festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: This recipe takes only 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates an irresistible sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for serving with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients, ensuring you can whip it up anytime without a trip to the store.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love, making mealtime stress-free.

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Butter Chicken, gather your essential tools and prepare your kitchen. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slotted spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Essential for searing the chicken evenly, allowing for a beautifully golden crust.
• Slotted spatula: Helps in removing chicken from the pan without losing juices or sauce.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and ingredient proportions for balanced flavors.

Ingredients

🧄🧈🍗 Tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of wine for extra flavor! This EASY stovetop chicken recipe is ready in 15 minutes and will become a family FAVORITE!

For the Chicken

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness (4 average-sized breasts))
• 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth (or as necessary)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more if you want extra sauce)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced; or to taste)
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Heat the Skillet

To a large skillet, add the olive oil.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Place pounded chicken into the skillet.
• Evenly season with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes without disturbing it.
• Flip the chicken once golden brown; cook on the other side for about 5 more minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

Remove cooked chicken using a slotted spatula and let it rest on a plate.

Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet

Using caution, pour in white wine (or broth) to deglaze the skillet. Allow it to bubble up for several seconds.

Step 5: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

• Add butter to the skillet and let it melt while stirring continuously.
• Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Turn off heat. Return the chicken back into the skillet, flipping it in the garlic butter sauce. Use a spoon to generously coat each piece.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Serving Garlic Butter Chicken can elevate your meal experience. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its rich flavors. Here are some suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• A light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the garlic butter sauce, providing a refreshing contrast.

Serve Over Rice

• Fluffy white rice or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce, making every bite flavorful.

Accompany with Steamed Vegetables

• Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add color and nutrients to your plate while complementing the chicken’s taste.

Add Crusty Bread

• Serve slices of crusty bread on the side to mop up any remaining garlic butter sauce; it’s simply irresistible!

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Adding freshly chopped parsley or basil not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of freshness to each bite.

Drizzle with Lemon Juice

• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken brings brightness and balances the richness, enhancing overall flavor.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve the ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken, follow these tips for perfecting your dish every time.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for better flavor and texture.

• Pound Evenly: Ensure that chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tenderness.

• Don’t Disturb While Cooking: Allow the chicken to sear without moving it. This helps develop a golden crust and keeps it juicy.

• Use Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of your dish better.

• Deglaze Properly: Make sure to scrape up all those flavorful bits from the skillet when deglazing; they add depth to your sauce.

• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste before serving. You might want to adjust seasoning based on personal preference.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing Garlic Butter Chicken with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic complement the savory chicken beautifully.

2. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with veggies adds nutrition and texture, balancing out the meal.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized provide a sweet contrast to the savory garlic butter sauce.

4. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that absorbs sauces well, making it a great partner for this dish.

5. Creamed Spinach: Rich and creamy spinach adds a luxurious touch while providing a pop of color on your plate.

6. Herbed Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous tossed with herbs is quick to prepare and pairs wonderfully with chicken.

7. Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, zucchini noodles sautéed in olive oil offer a fresh complement without being heavy.

8. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and brightness, balancing out the richness of garlic butter chicken perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Overcrowding the skillet: Adding too many chicken pieces at once can lower the temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Cook in batches for a perfect sear.
• Not pounding the chicken: Skipping this step can cause uneven cooking. Pounding breasts ensures they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
• Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the chicken right after cooking releases juices, making it dry. Let it rest for a few minutes to lock in moisture.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap wine or butter can alter the flavor. Invest in good quality ingredients for a richer garlic butter sauce.
• Not deglazing properly: Failing to scrape up the brown bits can leave out essential flavor. Make sure to deglaze your skillet thoroughly for a delicious sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
• It lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use medium power and heat in short bursts, checking every minute until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Butter Chicken.

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and easy dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work great too, adding extra juiciness and flavor to your Garlic Butter Chicken.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile choice for any dinner table.

How can I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or asparagus during cooking, or experiment with different herbs and spices for varied flavors!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious! Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Whether you serve it with rice or alongside veggies, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try today!