This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is pure comfort food magic in every bite. Juicy golden chicken, cooked in a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce with a hint of lemon and a shower of fresh herbs, makes this dish downright irresistible. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or planning a special meal, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bring restaurant-style flavor to your own kitchen with this simple yet stunning recipe.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of everyday ingredients can create such bold, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures. Every component here has its part to play, from the aromatic garlic to the golden seared chicken, making each bite of this dish unforgettable.

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Pick your favorite—thighs for extra juiciness, breasts for leaner bites. Both soak up that luscious sauce beautifully.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and helping the chicken retain moisture as it cooks.
Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning perfectly.
Paprika: Brings warm color and subtle smokiness to the chicken.
Olive Oil: For a gorgeous sear and to prevent sticking in the skillet.
Unsalted Butter: The base of your irresistible sauce, providing rich, creamy flavor.
Garlic, Minced: The star ingredient—plenty of fresh garlic delivers bold fragrance and mouthwatering taste.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce, making it savory and perfectly balanced.
Lemon Juice: A splash of brightness that lifts all the other flavors.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the sauce its classic cozy flavor.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a burst of color and a fresh, herby finish right before serving.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by sprinkling salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides of the chicken. This simple step adds layers of savory goodness right from the beginning, and ensures every bite is seasoned to perfection.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken and let it sizzle undisturbed for 4–5 minutes per side, so a golden, crispy crust forms while the inside stays juicy. Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it—those browned bits are pure flavor!), reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This step is where the kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. As you simmer and scrape up all those golden bits from the bottom of the pan, you’ll see the sauce come together, rich and glossy, in just a few minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let it simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes to soak up all the flavors. Finish with a flourish of fresh parsley if you like, then serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe piping hot and ready to wow.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley will brighten both the look and taste of your Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. For extra flair, add a wedge of lemon on the side or a dusting of extra paprika for a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes (perfect for soaking up every last drop of that dreamy sauce), fluffy rice, or hunks of crusty bread. Steamed green beans or a crisp salad make lovely, fresh contrasts to the buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party moment, slice the chicken and fan it out on a platter with sauce drizzled generously on top. Or, spoon the sauce over pasta for a cozy Italian-inspired meal. You can also tuck leftovers into sandwiches or wraps for a completely new take!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe should stay delicious and juicy for up to three days.

Freezing

You can freeze both the chicken and sauce together for those days when you crave a quick comfort meal. Use a freezer-safe container, and remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep the chicken tender. A microwave works too, just cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are especially juicy and flavorful, making them a fantastic choice for the Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

What’s the best way to tell if my chicken is done?

Pierce the thickest part of the chicken with a fork—if the juices run clear and there’s no pink, it’s ready. For even more confidence, use a meat thermometer: 165°F is perfect for both thighs and breasts.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

You can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or use more olive oil if you’re avoiding dairy. The flavor will be slightly different, but you’ll still get that wonderful garlic and herb goodness.

How can I make the sauce even creamier?

For an extra-rich Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to the sauce before serving. This makes it wonderfully luscious and perfect for pouring over everything!

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Try tossing in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms during the final few minutes of simmering. They’ll soak up the sauce and turn this meal into a one-pan wonder.

Final Thoughts

Cooking the Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is like sharing a warm hug at your dinner table. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and those bold, buttery flavors just might earn it a place in your regular dinner rotation. Give it a try and watch it disappear!

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, seasoned with herbs and lemon, makes for a delicious and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: On both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, cook briefly. Add broth, lemon juice, Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Finish the dish: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.