This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and tasty dish. Tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce makes it a family favorite. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are the easiest for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap these for chicken thighs, which stay moist and flavorful.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. You can substitute it with ghee for a dairy-free option, or use olive oil if you want to keep it lighter.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for real flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder, but remember it’s not as strong, so adjust according to taste.
Dried Herbs: Thyme adds a lovely aroma, but feel free to skip it or use other herbs like rosemary or Italian seasoning based on what you have. Fresh herbs will also work great for an added burst of flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken just right is key to making it juicy. Start with a hot skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking. Here’s how:
- Make sure the chicken breasts are at room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
- Only flip the chicken once to get a nice golden crust. This helps seal in the juices.
- Use a meat thermometer if you have one; the internal temp should reach 165°F (75°C).
With these tips in mind, you’ll have perfectly cooked garlic butter chicken every time!
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh parsley for garnish
- Juice of half a lemon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so you can have a delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple step adds a lot of flavor to your dish.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. The aroma will be heavenly!
4. Add Herbs:
If you’re using thyme, sprinkle it in now and give it a good stir to mix everything together.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon some of the yummy garlic butter sauce over the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes, making sure the chicken is nicely coated and heated through.
6. Add Lemon Juice:
If you like a bit of zest, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the chicken for a fresh kick. It pairs beautifully with the garlic butter!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Finally, garnish with fresh parsley if you’re using it, and serve hot. This chicken goes great with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your flavorful, juicy garlic butter chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few more minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
What Can I Substitute for Unsalted Butter?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use ghee for a dairy-free option or stick with olive oil for a healthier twist. Keep in mind that using olive oil will slightly change the flavor profile of the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prep the chicken and make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them right before serving. Make sure to cook the chicken just until it’s fully cooked to avoid dryness when reheating!
