Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a flavorful and simple dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a satisfying meal. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and bathed in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and comforting.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic cloves
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
directions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the lemon juice and stir to combine. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the garlic butter sauce.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Substitute the chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier result.
- Stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.
- For a low-carb option, serve the chicken with sautéed vegetables instead of rice or pasta.
storage/reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work great and remain tender and juicy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, but you can use frozen chicken if needed. Just make sure it’s fully cooked through.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus to the skillet for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a fantastic option when you need a fast yet delicious meal. With tender chicken, a rich garlic butter sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
PrintQuick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious and simple garlic butter chicken recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s full of flavor and super easy to make.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Optional: Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier option.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a teaspoon of flour to the garlic butter mixture to create a roux.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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