Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a rich and savory garlic butter sauce. The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Ingredients

this Recipe

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, if preferred)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
4. Finish the Dish: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavor.
5. Optional: Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken for a fresh, zesty kick. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy twist.
• Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Creamy Sauce: For a creamier sauce, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the garlic butter mixture and stir until well combined.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of extra butter or olive oil if needed to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time, as it will take longer to cook through.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide a juicier result and work well with the garlic butter sauce.

Is the garlic butter sauce too rich?
The garlic butter sauce is rich, but you can control the amount by using less butter or adding lemon juice to balance the flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge until ready to cook.

Conclusion

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful, fuss-free meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The rich garlic butter sauce makes this dish irresistible, and the tender chicken will leave you craving more. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home!

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