Name: Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness); 1 to 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste); 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste); 1/2 cup white apple vinegar or chicken broth; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced); Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is not only quick and easy, taking just 15 minutes to prepare, but also versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The combination of garlic and butter creates a mouthwatering taste that will leave your family asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavor: The garlic butter sauce, enhanced with apple vinegar, adds depth and richness to the chicken.
Versatile: Perfect for serving on its own or alongside your favorite sides like rice or vegetables.
Family Favorite: With its savory taste and juicy texture, this Garlic Butter Chicken will quickly become a household staple.
Healthy Option: Using skinless chicken breasts keeps this dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Butter Chicken successfully, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. Here are the essential tools you will need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Slotted spatula
Measuring spoons
Meat mallet (for pounding chicken)
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large Skillet: A spacious skillet allows even cooking and searing of the chicken, ensuring a golden crust.
Slotted Spatula: This tool helps lift the chicken out of the pan without losing any delicious juices.
Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors in your garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

🧄🧈🍗 Tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of apple vinegar for extra flavor! This EASY stovetop chicken recipe is ready in 15 minutes and will become a family FAVORITE!

Ingredients:
– 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)
– 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)
– 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

To start, take your pounded chicken breasts and season them evenly with the seasoning blend, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet without moving it for about five minutes until it forms a golden crust.
Flip the chicken carefully using a slotted spatula and cook on the other side for an additional five minutes until fully cooked.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest. This ensures juiciness when served.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Using caution, deglaze your skillet by adding white apple vinegar or broth. Let it bubble for a few seconds while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.

Step 5: Add Butter and Garlic

Stir in unsalted butter until melted completely.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about one minute while continuously stirring.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Turn off the heat. Return your rested chicken back into the skillet. Flip it around in the garlic butter sauce so every piece is coated.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for maximum flavor!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delightful ways to serve this delicious meal and enhance its flavor.

With Fresh Vegetables

Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
Sautéed Spinach – Quick to prepare, sautéed spinach offers a slightly earthy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.

Over Rice or Quinoa

Fluffy White Rice – A classic pairing, fluffy rice soaks up the garlic butter sauce for added flavor in every bite.
Herbed Quinoa – This protein-packed option provides a nutty taste and works great with the chicken’s buttery goodness.

With Bread

Garlic Bread – For an extra garlic kick, serve warm garlic bread on the side to mop up any remaining sauce.
Crusty Baguette – A fresh baguette is perfect for dipping into the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Garnished with Herbs

Fresh Parsley – Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
Chives or Green Onions – Thinly sliced chives add a mild onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Creating the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken takes a few simple techniques. Follow these tips for an exceptional dish every time.

Choose Quality Chicken – Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for better flavor and tenderness.
Pound Evenly – Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and juiciness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing.
Let It Rest – Allow cooked chicken to rest before slicing; this helps retain juices for a moist result.
Adjust Seasonings – Feel free to customize seasoning levels based on your preferences; tasting as you go can make a big difference!

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing Garlic Butter Chicken with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that matches perfectly with chicken.
Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned and roasted until tender, asparagus adds elegance and a touch of crunch.
Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice absorbs flavors beautifully while being light and nutritious.
Mixed Green Salad – A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch to your plate.
Zucchini Noodles – Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles offer a healthy twist ideal for soaking up garlic butter sauce.
Couscous with Lemon Zest – Fluffy couscous brightened with lemon zest provides a refreshing contrast to rich chicken flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken can be quick and easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Boldly skipping the pounding: Not pounding the chicken breasts can lead to uneven cooking. Always pound them to an even thickness for consistent results.
Boldly over-seasoning: Adding too much seasoning can overpower the dish. Use the recommended amounts and adjust according to your taste.
Boldly neglecting the resting time: Skipping the resting period after cooking will result in dry chicken. Let it rest for a few minutes to lock in moisture.
Boldly rushing the deglazing: Not allowing enough time for deglazing can leave you with a bland sauce. Make sure to let the vinegar or broth bubble properly for flavor.
Boldly ignoring garlic timing: Adding garlic too early can cause it to burn. Wait until the butter is melted before adding in the garlic.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the chicken to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Label and date your containers for easy identification.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Garlic Butter Chicken.

How do I ensure my Garlic Butter Chicken is tender?

To achieve tender chicken, pound the breasts evenly and avoid overcooking them. Follow cooking times closely.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator or freeze it, following proper storage methods.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Choose sides that complement its rich flavors.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. It reheats well and stays flavorful even after storing.

What variations can I try with this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe?

You can customize this dish by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables. Consider incorporating spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for added zest!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Its rich flavors make it perfect for any weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients and sides; you’ll find it’s a dish everyone will love!