This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a real winner! Juicy chicken pieces are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce that makes everything taste amazing. It’s quick and super simple!
I love how this dish fills my kitchen with a delicious aroma. Plus, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve it with some rice or veggies, and you’re all set! Yum! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook and absorb flavors well. If you prefer, chicken thighs are a great alternative since they stay juicy and tender.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for this recipe to control the salt levels. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with olive oil or even ghee for a different flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that punchy taste! If you’re short on time, using garlic powder (1 teaspoon) can work in a pinch, though fresh is always best.
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary create wonderful flavors. If you have Italian seasoning on hand, it can be a quick substitute. Just use about 1-2 teaspoons as it typically contains many herbs.
Lemon Juice: This ingredient adds brightness to the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, vinegar (like white or apple cider) can provide acidity. Just use a little less than a tablespoon.
How Do I Make Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken that’s perfectly juicy is all about timing and temperature. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding chicken; this helps to sear the meat and lock in moisture.
- Avoid crowding the skillet, as this can lower the temperature and cause steaming instead of browning.
- Use a meat thermometer—170°F (75°C) ensures your chicken is fully cooked without drying out.
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and keeps it moist.
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, including cooking time for the chicken and making the delicious garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both easy and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help them sear better. Next, season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This step adds flavor right from the start!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken breasts carefully. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked all the way through. You can check doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Then, stir in the thyme and rosemary, cooking for another 30 seconds to release their flavors.
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice (if using), making sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any delicious browned bits. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens. This will create a rich garlic butter sauce that’s to die for!
5. Combine and Serve:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm up the chicken again and let all those wonderful flavors meld together. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful, tender Easy Garlic Butter Chicken with your favorite sides—maybe some rice or a fresh salad. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it first! Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight for safety. If you’re short on time, you can place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Once thawed, pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh thyme or rosemary, dried herbs work perfectly. Just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. For this recipe, stick with 1 teaspoon of each dried herb.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist, or microwave it in short intervals until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken up to a day in advance. Just follow the cooking instructions and allow it to cool before refrigerating it. When ready to eat, reheat and serve with the garlic butter sauce for a quick meal!
