Garlic Butter Chicken: 5 Secrets for a Flavorful Dinner

Sharing is caring!

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that transforms any weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. This recipe offers a quick and flavorful solution, featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a garlicky flour mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, and finished with a rich butter and chicken stock sauce infused with fresh parsley and garlic. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something satisfying yet easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken

This recipe is not just delicious; it’s packed with benefits that make it a great choice for dinner. First, it’s a quick garlic butter chicken recipe that takes only 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. The garlic-infused butter elevates the chicken, creating a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist. Additionally, it can be easily customized; add your favorite herbs or vegetables to make it a one-pan garlic butter chicken meal. This dish is gluten-free, making it friendly for various dietary needs. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice, making it a complete meal in itself. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a great side dish option.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

Gather these items:

• 2x 9oz/250g Chicken Breasts, brought close to room temperature
• 1/4 cup / 40g Plain / All Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, plus more to taste
• 1/2 cup / 120ml Chicken Stock
• 6 tbsp / 90g / 3.2oz Unsalted Butter, divided into tablespoon chunks
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced/finely diced
• 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Lemon, divided into 4 wedges (to serve)

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup flour with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
2. Step 2: Butterfly each chicken breast through the center to create four even-sized pieces. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to ensure an even coat. Shake off excess and set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and fry until golden brown on each side and cooked through (about 3-5 minutes per side depending on thickness). Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the pan, and fry for 1-2 minutes until just beginning to brown. Pour in the chicken stock while scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits for extra flavor.
5. Step 5: Add the remaining 5 tbsp butter chunks to the pan and swiftly whisk as they melt to bind with the stock, creating a slightly cloudy sauce. Stir in the parsley and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken. Turn heat to low, return the chicken to the pan, and spoon the sauce over the chicken to heat through and absorb flavors.
7. Step 7: Plate the chicken, drizzle with extra sauce, and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over to add a fresh citrus note, according to preference.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Keep these in mind:

• Ensure your chicken is at room temperature for even cooking.
• Don’t skip the step of scraping the pan; this adds depth to the sauce.
• For a creamy garlic butter chicken version, consider adding a splash of cream to the sauce as it thickens.
• Use fresh parsley for garnish to enhance the dish’s presentation and flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

This dish shines on its own, but there are several ways to elevate it further:

• Serve over fluffy rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with steamed vegetables for a healthy touch.
• Consider a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Garlic Bread is a perfect match.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Chicken

For leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying out. This dish is also great for meal prep as it holds up well in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Butter Chicken?

The secret lies in the quality of the ingredients, especially fresh garlic and butter. Properly seasoning the flour mixture also enhances the dish’s flavor. Always ensure your chicken is cooked through but still juicy for the best result.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them just before serving to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce fresh.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Butter Chicken?

To avoid dryness, do not overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfect juiciness. Additionally, letting the chicken rest before slicing helps retain its juices.

Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken You Can Try

There are many creative twists you can add to this dish:

• Add chicken thighs in garlic butter for a richer flavor.
• Incorporate seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli during cooking.
• For a healthy garlic butter chicken option, substitute olive oil for butter and use skinless chicken breasts.
• To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce.

Print