Name: Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 5 Garlic cloves (minced); 0.5 cup Chicken broth; 1 tbsp Parsley (chopped, optional)

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Sick of bland, boring chicken that no one looks forward to? We’ve all been there—rushing through dinner prep only to end up with disappointing results. But what if weeknight chicken could be something your family actually looks forward to? This garlic butter chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

As a professional chef who’s specialized in quick, family-friendly meals for over a decade, I’ve refined this garlic butter chicken recipe to perfection. The secret lies in the rich, aromatic butter infused with garlic that keeps the chicken incredibly juicy while adding layers of flavor.

In this guide, you’ll discover everything from selecting the perfect cut of chicken to mastering the cooking technique that ensures restaurant-quality results every time. Plus, I’ll share pro tips on flavor variations, side dish pairings, and troubleshooting common chicken cooking problems.

Why This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Works

Uses budget-friendly chicken cuts that are readily available at any grocery store
Requires just 7 simple steps and minimal prep time—perfect for busy weeknights
Features a foolproof garlic butter technique that prevents dry chicken
Creates restaurant-quality flavor with basic pantry ingredients
Versatile enough for a casual family dinner or elegant enough for entertaining
Can be prepped ahead for even faster weeknight cooking

Choosing the Right Chicken

Best Cuts for Garlic Butter Chicken

While this garlic butter chicken recipe works with multiple cuts, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my top recommendation. They offer several advantages:

Natural juiciness that’s more forgiving if slightly overcooked
Bold flavor that blends effortlessly with the creamy garlic butter sauce
Quick cooking time that’s ideal for weeknight meals
Affordable price point compared to other premium cuts

If you prefer white meat, boneless skinless chicken breasts will also work well, but you’ll need to be more vigilant about cooking time to prevent them from drying out.

Buying Tips

For the best garlic butter chicken results:

Look for chicken with a pinkish color and no gray spots
Choose packages with minimal liquid in the tray
If possible, buy air-chilled chicken which tends to have better texture and flavor
Consider organic or free-range options for superior taste (though conventional works fine)

Substitutions

Don’t have the recommended cut? Here are some alternatives for your garlic butter chicken:

Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts (add 5-7 minutes to cooking time)
Chicken tenderloins (reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes)
Chicken cutlets (thin-sliced breasts that cook even faster)

Ingredients & Prep

Chicken Prep Essentials

For perfect garlic butter chicken, proper preparation makes all the difference:

Remove chicken from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to take the chill off
Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels (crucial for proper browning)
Make sure to evenly season each side with a good pinch of salt and pepper
If using chicken breasts, consider pounding to even thickness for uniform cooking

Garlic Butter Mixture

The heart of this recipe is the flavorful garlic butter that infuses the chicken with incredible taste:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4-6 garlic cloves, finely minced (adjust to your garlic preference)
1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), finely chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional but recommended)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until smooth. For enhanced flavor, prepare the garlic butter mixture 30 minutes ahead to allow the flavors to meld.

Pantry Staples

Complete your garlic butter chicken with these kitchen basics:

Olive oil for searing
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Add chicken broth or white wine, to enhance the flavor and create a savory sauce
Additional fresh herbs for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Use paper towels to pat the chicken pieces dry. Season generously with salt and pepper. The drier the chicken, the better it will brown and the more flavor it will develop.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest (if using), salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to get hot but not smoking. A properly heated pan is essential for achieving that golden-brown crust on your garlic butter chicken.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Put the chicken in the hot pan with the presentation side facing down. Let it cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until it turns golden brown. Avoid moving it too soon—good browning occurs when the chicken naturally releases from the pan.

Step 5: Flip and Add Garlic Butter

Once the first side is beautifully browned, flip the chicken pieces over.
Lower the heat to medium, after that add the garlic butter to the pan, spooning it around the chicken to distribute evenly. As the butter melts, tilt the pan occasionally to collect the butter and spoon it over the chicken pieces.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Continue cooking the garlic butter chicken for another 4-6 minutes (for thighs) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces. If using chicken breasts, they may require only 3-4 minutes on the second side.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the pan from heat and let the garlic butter chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor. Spoon the remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken when serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Avoiding Dry Chicken

Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking
Keep the pan at medium-high heat for searing, then reduce to medium for cooking through
Baste the chicken continuously with the garlic butter as it cooks
For chicken breasts, consider butterflying or pounding to even thickness
Never skip the resting period after cooking

Tool Recommendations

Cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan for ideal heat retention
Instant-read digital thermometer for perfect doneness
Use a fish spatula or a thin-edged turner to flip the chicken without tearing it
Small spoon dedicated to basting the chicken with garlic butter

Storage & Reheating

Garlic butter chicken makes fantastic leftovers when you stored the right way:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist
For meal prep, save some of the garlic butter sauce separately to add when reheating
Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can toughen the chicken

Flavor Variations

Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken

Add one of these to your garlic butter mixture:

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Herb-Forward Options

Customize your garlic butter chicken with these herb combinations:

Mediterranean: rosemary, thyme, and oregano
Italian: basil, oregano, and parsley
French: tarragon, parsley, and chervil

Global Flavors

Transform your garlic butter chicken with international ingredients:

Greek-inspired: Add lemon juice and oregano to the garlic butter
Indian-inspired: Mix in 1 teaspoon garam masala or curry powder
Mexican-inspired: Include lime zest and cilantro in the garlic butter

Serving Suggestions

Garlic butter chicken pairs beautifully with:

Starches: Creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice pilaf
Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a simple side salad
Sauces: Spoon the remaining pan sauce over everything or serve with additional lemon wedges

Garlic Butter Chicken served with potatoes

For a complete meal, consider these winning combinations:

Garlic butter chicken with roasted baby potatoes and steamed broccoli
Garlic butter chicken over angel hair pasta with a side of garlic bread
Garlic butter chicken with quinoa and roasted seasonal vegetables

FAQs

Can I make garlic butter chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before cooking.

How do I fix bland garlic butter chicken?
If your garlic butter chicken lacks flavor, try these fixes: add more salt, increase the garlic amount, incorporate additional fresh herbs, or finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
For best results, thaw chicken completely before cooking. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use partially thawed chicken, but adjust cooking time accordingly and be prepared for less even browning.

Is this garlic butter chicken recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it perfect for keto dieters. Just be mindful of your side dish choices.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative or try using olive oil with additional seasonings. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it can still be delicious.