Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is the ultimate quick and flavorful meal. With tender, golden-seared chicken breasts in a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasions. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy chicken recipe is made with simple ingredients like olive oil, white wine (or chicken broth), garlic, and parsley. Perfect to serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or vegetables, this one-pan garlic butter chicken will quickly become a family favorite!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium breasts), pounded to an even thickness
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
½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (add more if you’d like extra sauce)
1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced (or to taste)
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts, season evenly with 21 Salute seasoning (or poultry seasoning), salt, and pepper. Let cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to achieve a golden-brown sear on one side. For thicker pieces, increase to 6–7 minutes.
Flip and Cook Through: Flip the chicken and cook on the other side for another 5 minutes, or until fully cooked. Avoid moving the chicken to keep the sear intact.
Rest the Chicken: Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Carefully add wine (or broth) to deglaze the skillet, allowing the liquid to bubble up briefly. Add the butter, stirring continuously until melted, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
Coat the Chicken: Turn off the heat, return the chicken to the skillet, and spoon the garlic butter sauce over it to coat.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Butter Chicken is quick, easy, and bursting with rich flavors! The combination of tender, golden-seared chicken and a luscious garlic butter sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Tips

Pound Chicken Evenly: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook faster and more evenly.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: If cooking more than four pieces, cook in batches to ensure proper searing.
Adjust the Sauce: Add more butter or broth for extra sauce if desired.

Variations and Substitutions

Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
Use Different Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a delicious twist.
Wine Substitute: Use chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check if unsure.

Serving and Suggestions

This garlic butter chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. For a lighter meal, serve it with steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home!