Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and simple meal that delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort? Look no further! This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with rich garlic butter sauce, creating an irresistible dish that your family and guests will rave about. From step-by-step cooking instructions to creative serving tips, this guide has it all. Keep reading to uncover the secrets of mastering this flavorful dish and how to perfect your culinary skills in the kitchen!

this Recipe

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a savory dish where boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then drenched in a rich, flavorful sauce made from garlic and butter. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and the combination of tender chicken with a mouthwatering sauce ensures that it's a hit with anyone who tries it. It can be served with a variety of side dishes, from mashed potatoes to vegetables, making it versatile and family-friendly.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken

To prepare this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil – Olive oil helps in searing the chicken to get a golden-brown crust, adding flavor and moisture to the dish.
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Chicken breasts are the star of this recipe, providing lean protein and a neutral flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic butter sauce. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures even cooking.
• 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning – This adds extra depth of flavor, and you can customize it depending on your taste preference.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle kick and complements the garlic butter sauce.
• ½ cup white wine or chicken broth – A key component of the sauce, white wine adds acidity and depth of flavor, while chicken broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Butter is the base of the sauce, offering a rich and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced – Garlic is the heart of the sauce, giving the dish its signature aromatic flavor.
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional) – Garnishing with parsley adds a fresh, herby note and brightens the presentation of the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

While this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is incredible on its own, you can easily make substitutions or variations to suit your personal taste or dietary needs:

• Chicken Thighs – If you prefer dark meat, substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts. They’re juicier and add even more flavor.
• Lemon Juice – For an extra zing, add a splash of fresh lemon juice to the sauce right before serving.
• Vegetarian Option – You can substitute tofu or portobello mushrooms for chicken to create a vegetarian-friendly dish that still offers a hearty, savory flavor.
• Herbs – Feel free to switch up the herbs! You can use rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of parsley to change the flavor profile of the dish.
• Butter Substitutes – If you want a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or a high-quality olive oil instead of regular butter.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken: Pound your boneless, skinless chicken breasts to an even thickness. This will help them cook evenly. Season both sides with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the 21 Salute Seasoning (or poultry seasoning).
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to ensure a nice sear.
3. Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. If your skillet isn't large enough, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, pour in ½ cup of white wine (or chicken broth) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This step infuses the sauce with extra flavor.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let the butter melt, then add the finely minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
6. Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, making sure each piece is coated in the garlic butter sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the heat. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Your garlic butter chicken is now ready to be served!

How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mastering this dish is easier than it seems, as long as you follow the correct steps. Here’s a more detailed look at each part of the process to ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken comes out perfectly every time:

• Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and prevents them from drying out. To do this, place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to about ½ inch thickness.
• Seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Season the chicken generously with kosher salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as smoked paprika or Italian seasoning.
• Searing: Searing the chicken over medium-high heat gives it a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy. Avoid moving the chicken around too much during the searing process to allow it to form a beautiful, golden crust.
• Creating the Sauce: The sauce is the star of this recipe. White wine adds depth, but if you’re cooking for a crowd and don’t want to use alcohol, chicken broth works just as well. Let the sauce simmer to concentrate the flavors before adding the chicken back in.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so be sure to sauté it only until it’s fragrant, which usually takes about 30-60 seconds. Burnt garlic will impart a bitter taste to the dish.
• Not Letting the Sauce Thicken: When deglazing the pan, be sure to let the sauce reduce for a few minutes. This thickens the sauce and concentrates its flavors.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only tasty but visually appealing as well. Presentation can elevate the dish, making it restaurant-quality. Here are some tips for serving and presentation:

• Plating: Serve the chicken on a large white platter with the sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of green and extra flavor.
• Side Dishes: Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad to balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a rustic look, or plate it individually with sides. Garlic Butter Chicken is best served with sides that can soak up the delicious sauce. Some great pairings include:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Roasted or sautéed vegetables (like asparagus or broccoli)
• A simple green salad

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Elegant Plating: Slice the chicken breasts diagonally and fan the pieces on the plate. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top and garnish with parsley.
• Family-Style: Serve the whole chicken breasts on a large platter with the sauce poured over, allowing guests to help themselves.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Tips

• Make Extra Sauce: Double the sauce ingredients if you love a lot of extra sauce to spoon over rice or potatoes.
• Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as the seasonings and broth you use are certified gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs will work well and add a richer flavor due to their higher fat content.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the chicken ahead, then reheat it in the sauce when ready to serve.
3. What can I use instead of white wine? Chicken broth is a great substitute if you prefer not to use alcohol.
4. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet or microwave.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet sophisticated dish that is sure to impress. With its tender, juicy chicken and rich garlic butter sauce, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations and customization, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Try it today and discover just how easy and delicious homemade garlic butter chicken can be!

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