Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and then bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, with a splash of white wine (or chicken broth) adding depth and richness. This easy stovetop recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings without compromising on taste.

Rich, buttery, and garlicky, this dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes, and it’s a guaranteed family favorite.

Introduction

There’s something magical about chicken cooked in butter and garlic. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen. This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe stands out because it’s quick, straightforward, and produces restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.

The recipe is designed for even cooking, so pounding the chicken to a uniform thickness ensures juicy, tender meat. The garlic butter sauce is silky and fragrant, enhanced with white wine or chicken broth for added depth. This combination of seared chicken and buttery, garlicky sauce hits all the flavor notes: savory, rich, slightly tangy, and incredibly satisfying.

This dish is perfect for:

• Quick weeknight dinners
• Impressing guests without stress
• Pairing with simple sides like rice, pasta, or roasted veggies
• Meal prep for a protein-rich dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
• Juicy, tender chicken with a golden seared crust
• Rich, garlicky butter sauce with a splash of wine for extra flavor
• Minimal ingredients and equipment required
• Easy to double or triple for larger families
• Perfect for pairing with a variety of side dishes

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4. All ingredients and measurements are exactly as provided for consistency.

Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 average-sized breasts), pounded to even thickness
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1–2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning (or poultry seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Garlic Butter Sauce

• ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth, as necessary)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more for extra sauce)
• 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, optional for garnish

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Slotted spatula
• Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry or undercooked areas. Season each piece evenly with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and do not move them while searing for 5 minutes. The chicken should develop a medium golden color.

Flip the chicken and cook the second side for another 5 minutes (or 6–7 minutes for thicker pieces) until fully cooked. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Remove the chicken with a slotted spatula and place on a plate to rest.

3. Deglaze the Skillet

Add white wine (or chicken broth) to the hot skillet. Allow the liquid to bubble and steam for a few seconds, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits add rich flavor to the sauce.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet and melt completely, stirring continuously. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

5. Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Turn off the heat and return the chicken to the skillet. Flip each piece in the garlic butter sauce, spooning the sauce over the top to coat evenly.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Cooking Tips

• Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure even browning.
• Adjust cooking time for thicker or thinner chicken breasts.
• Use a slotted spatula to avoid breaking the chicken while transferring.

Dietary Variations

• Low-sodium: Use less salt or a salt substitute.
• Non-alcoholic: Substitute white wine with chicken broth.
• Extra sauce: Increase butter slightly for a richer sauce.

Flavor Adjustments

• Add lemon juice for a bright, citrusy note.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Increase garlic for more intense flavor.

Flavor Profile & Texture

This Garlic Butter Chicken is rich, savory, and buttery with a fragrant garlic aroma. The exterior of the chicken is golden and slightly crisp, while the interior remains juicy and tender. The wine or broth adds depth and complexity, balancing the richness of butter with subtle acidity.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving:

• Calories: 294 kcal
• Protein: 15 g
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 2 g

Dietary notes: Nut-free, contains dairy, gluten-free if using gluten-free seasoning.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Pound and season chicken in advance for faster cooking.
• Garlic butter sauce can be prepared separately and reheated gently.
• Chicken keeps well in the refrigerator up to 5 days, and can be frozen up to 4 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but adjust cooking time since thighs are thicker and juicier.

Why is my chicken sticking to the skillet?
Ensure the skillet is properly heated and the chicken is dry before adding oil.

Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic provides a stronger, more vibrant flavor.

Do I have to use wine?
No, chicken broth works well as a non-alcoholic substitute.

Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes, chicken can be cooked ahead and reheated gently in the sauce.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	20 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the sauce.
• Pair with sautéed or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Drizzle extra sauce over chicken just before serving for maximum flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrus twist.
• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top before serving.
• Incorporate mushrooms into the sauce for a hearty addition.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Breasts

Lean, versatile, and quick-cooking, chicken breasts are ideal for skillet recipes. Pounding ensures even cooking.

Garlic Butter Sauce

Butter and garlic create a rich, savory sauce. A splash of white wine enhances depth and flavor.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Pat chicken dry to ensure golden sear.
• Allow chicken to rest briefly before coating in sauce to lock in juices.
• Constantly stir butter and garlic while cooking to avoid burning.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Storage: Store chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
Freezing: Chicken can be frozen for up to 4 months; reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	294 kcal
Protein	15 g
Fat	21 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Carbohydrates	6 g

Expanded Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken proves that simple, quality ingredients can create extraordinary meals. In just 20 minutes, you can have a juicy, flavorful chicken dinner bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce that tastes far more complex than it is to prepare.

Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is quick, easy, and reliably delicious. Serve it with your favorite sides and watch it become a family favorite in no time.

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