If you have ever dreamed of a dish that’s bursting with rich flavors while staying irresistibly simple, this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Each chicken breast is perfectly tender, seasoned with a lovely blend of herbs, and finished with a luscious garlic butter sauce that brings a glorious depth of comfort and elegance to your plate. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe effortlessly transforms everyday ingredients into a memorable meal that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack a powerful punch. Each one plays a vital role in balancing flavor, aroma, and texture, ensuring every bite is a delight. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
- 4 chicken breasts, about 2 pounds: The star of the dish, providing tender and juicy protein when cooked just right.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors and seasoning the chicken evenly.
- 1 teaspoon parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery herbal note to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon oregano: Offers a warm, aromatic earthiness that complements the garlic beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon basil: Brings a sweet and slightly minty undertone, giving the chicken a subtle complexity.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat to balance the herbs.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden crust without sticking.
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Builds the base for a flavorful, saucy finish without overwhelming the dish.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Creates irresistibly silky garlic butter sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- 1 small shallot, minced (about ¼ cup): Adds a sweet and delicate pungency for depth in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (5-6 cloves): Garlic is the heart of this recipe, infusing every bite with robust, aromatic flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First things first, take your chicken breasts and use a meat tenderizer to gently pound them until they’re an even thickness, about 1.5 inches thick. This helps the chicken cook more uniformly, so every bite is juicy and perfectly done.
Step 2: Season Chicken
Mix together salt, parsley, oregano, basil, and pepper in a small bowl. This herb blend is the secret to layering flavor from the start. Rub the mixture liberally all over both sides of each chicken breast, making sure every bit is coated.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes. This step forms the gorgeous golden crust that locks in moisture and flavor. Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side until equally golden.
Step 4: Remove Chicken
Once both sides are perfectly seared, remove the chicken breasts from the pan and set them aside. Don’t worry—they’re going to finish cooking in the sauce soon, soaking up even more flavor.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat slightly and add white wine vinegar, chicken broth, and unsalted butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced shallots and sauté until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. This gentle cooking brings out their natural sweetness. Then stir in the garlic and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burned. This sauce is where the magic happens, blending tangy, buttery, and garlicky goodness.
Step 6: Return Chicken to Pan
Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Turn the heat to medium and coat each piece with the luscious sauce. Keep basting the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken tastes like it’s swimming in velvet garlic butter sauce — simply divine.
Step 7: Serve
Take the pan off the heat, spoon extra sauce over each breast, and get ready to impress anyone lucky enough to share this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe with you.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe to a new level of charm. A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or basil not only adds color but amplifies the herbal notes in the dish. Serve it with a few lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh kick that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs effortlessly with a variety of side options. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice absorb the garlic butter sauce perfectly. For something lighter, roasted or steamed green vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add a crisp texture and vibrant color. Even a fresh, crisp salad can balance the luxurious richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests or just treat yourself? Serve your chicken sliced over a bed of garlic-infused angel hair pasta or creamy polenta. You could even plate it with grilled bread to mop up every bit of that irresistible garlic butter sauce. Presentation is your playground—make the plate as inviting as the flavors inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making for a delicious lunch or dinner the next day. Make sure to keep the sauce with the chicken to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze leftover garlic butter chicken, although it’s best to separate the chicken and sauce if possible. Freeze the chicken breasts in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce separately to help preserve its texture and freshness. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, basting occasionally with the sauce to keep it moist. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and cover to trap moisture for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless thighs will work well in this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. Keep in mind that thighs may take a little longer to cook and offer a slightly richer flavor due to their higher fat content.
Can I skip the white wine vinegar?
If you don’t have white wine vinegar on hand, a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can work as a flavorful substitute, adding the necessary acidity to brighten the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always check the labels if you have dietary restrictions.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce and concentrate or whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water while cooking to reach your desired consistency.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely! The Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe stores well and tastes great reheated. Just be sure to store the sauce separately from sides like rice or veggies to keep everything fresh and tasty throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish like this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe that feels both fancy and accessible, perfect for weeknights or impressing your friends. The way the garlic butter sauce coats every tender, herb-seasoned bite makes it hard to resist. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce enhanced with fresh herbs, shallots, and a touch of white wine vinegar. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, about 2 pounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, minced (about ¼ cup)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (5–6 cloves)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the 4 chicken breasts using a meat tenderizer until they are uniformly about 1.5 inches thick to ensure even cooking.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon parsley, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon basil, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Rub this herb and spice mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook the other side similarly.
- Remove Chicken: Take the chicken breasts out of the skillet and set them aside temporarily.
- Make Sauce: To the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, ¼ cup chicken broth, ¼ cup unsalted butter, and the minced shallot. Sauté over medium heat until the shallot becomes tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add 2 tablespoons minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Reduce heat to medium. Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet and coat them well with the garlic butter sauce. Baste occasionally as the chicken finishes cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), flipping once after about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the chicken breasts hot, spooning the garlic butter sauce over each serving for maximum flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute white wine vinegar with lemon juice for a slightly different tangy flavor.
- If you prefer, swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless thighs, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to complement the garlic butter sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
