Garlic Butter Chicken

Recipe By:

Juliette

Posted:

August 10, 2025

Updated:

August 10, 2025

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Garlic Butter Chicken is a dish that brings together tender chicken and a rich, savory sauce that’s hard to resist. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also delivers an explosion of flavor. With its buttery garlicky goodness and a hint of apple vinegar, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish can be ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Sauce: The garlic butter sauce elevates the dish, providing a rich taste that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
Versatile Meal: Pair it with rice, pasta, or vegetables for a complete meal that suits any palate.
Few Ingredients: Made with simple pantry staples, you won’t have to make a special trip to the store.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the juicy chicken coated in buttery goodness.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking Garlic Butter Chicken, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Slotted spatula
Measuring spoons
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: Provides enough space for searing chicken evenly without overcrowding.
Slotted spatula: Helps remove chicken from the skillet without losing any of that delicious sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

For the Sauce

1/2 cup white apple vinegar or chicken broth (or as necessary)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more if you want extra sauce)
1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced; or to taste)

For Garnish

2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

To a large skillet, add the olive oil and pounded chicken. Evenly season with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes without disturbing the chicken. After this time, flip the chicken over; it should have a lovely golden color. For thicker breasts, sear for an additional minute or two.

Step 2: Cook Through

Allow the chicken to cook on this second side for about 5 minutes until fully cooked through. Again, do not touch or move it while searing.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

Remove the chicken using a slotted spatula and place it on a plate to rest while preparing the sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Carefully deglaze your skillet by adding apple vinegar (or broth). Let it bubble up and steam for several seconds.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Add butter and let it melt for about one minute. Stir continuously until fully melted.

Step 6: Add Garlic

Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant—about one minute. Keep stirring continuously.

Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Turn off the heat. Return chicken back into your skillet. Flip it around in the garlic butter sauce so it’s well coated and spoon some sauce over each piece.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Optionally sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for garnish before serving immediately. Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Greens

Arugula Salad: Toss arugula with lemon vinaigrette for a peppery counterbalance to the rich chicken.
Spinach and Feta: Mix sautéed spinach with crumbled feta cheese for a savory side that complements garlic butter flavors.

Over Rice or Quinoa

Fluffy White Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed white rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds texture and nutrition, making it a wholesome pairing.

Accompanied by Bread

Crusty French Bread: Offer slices of crusty bread for dipping in the savory garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Bread: For garlic lovers, serve alongside buttery garlic bread to intensify the flavor profile.

With Roasted Vegetables

Seasonal Roasted Veggies: Roast seasonal vegetables like carrots and broccoli, seasoned lightly, to add color and nutrients.
Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus provides a fresh crunch that complements the dish beautifully.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken turns out tender and flavorful every time, consider these helpful tips.

bold Chicken Thickness: Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
bold Searing Technique: Avoid moving the chicken while searing. Let it develop a golden crust for better flavor.
bold Deglazing Properly: Use apple vinegar or broth to deglaze the pan. This step captures all those flavorful bits stuck on the bottom.
bold Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and herbs for maximum flavor. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste.
bold Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking. This helps retain juices for a more succulent bite.
bold Sauce Variations: Feel free to customize your garlic butter sauce with herbs or spices according to your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken can shine even brighter when paired with the right sides. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish perfectly.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and pair well with the rich sauce.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering the main dish.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that soaks up the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes creates a lovely contrast with the savory chicken.
Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter meal, serve zoodles tossed in olive oil as an alternative base for your chicken.
Pasta Primavera: Colorful pasta mixed with fresh vegetables can be a delightful addition, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Butter Chicken, some common errors can impact the final dish. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

Ignoring the chicken thickness: Ensure that your chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness. This promotes even cooking and prevents some parts from drying out.
Not letting the chicken sear: Resist the urge to move or flip the chicken too soon. Letting it sear undisturbed allows for a beautiful golden crust and enhances flavor.
Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked. Add it to the pan just after the butter melts, and cook only until fragrant for optimal flavor.
Skipping the resting period: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices. Skipping this step can lead to dry chicken.
Using too much vinegar or broth: While liquid is necessary for deglazing, too much can overpower the dish. Start with 1/2 cup and adjust as needed for taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Make sure to let it cool down before sealing the container.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Label containers with dates for better tracking.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until warmed throughout.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish made with tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes! While boneless skinless breasts work great, you can also use thighs or drumsticks. Adjust cooking times as necessary based on thickness.

How do I customize Garlic Butter Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during cooking. Herbs such as rosemary or thyme can also enhance the flavor profile.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just store portions in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer as described above.

What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it over pasta for a hearty meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick to prepare but versatile enough to suit different tastes and occasions. The rich flavors combined with juicy chicken make it a family favorite that everyone will love. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or sides to make this dish uniquely yours!