Garlic Butter Chicken

Recipe By:
Natalia
Updated:
Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal. This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, with a hint of apple vinegar for added depth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this quick stovetop recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This garlic butter chicken can be made in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and apple vinegar creates a rich sauce that elevates the chicken’s flavor.
  • Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Family Favorite: With its mouthwatering taste and simple preparation, this dish is bound to become a staple in your household.
  • Customizable: Adjust the seasoning and garnish to suit your taste—add more garlic or herbs for an extra kick!

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather a few essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Slotted spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Importance of Each Tool

  • Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking and browning of the chicken without overcrowding.
  • Slotted spatula: This tool helps lift the chicken from the skillet without losing any delicious juices.
  • Measuring spoons: Precise measurements ensure consistent flavor every time you make this garlic butter chicken.

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!

For the Chicken

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness (4 average-sized breasts))
  • 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)

For the Sauce

  • 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)

For Garnish

  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)
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How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Heat the Skillet

In a large skillet, add the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Place the pounded chicken into the skillet. Evenly season with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper.
1. Cook without moving for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
2. Flip the chicken and cook on the second side for another 5 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

Remove the chicken with a slotted spatula and place it on a plate to rest.

Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet

Carefully add apple vinegar (or broth) to deglaze. Let it bubble up for a few seconds.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Add butter into the skillet. Stir continuously until melted.
1. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Turn off the heat and return the chicken back into the skillet.
1. Flip it around in the garlic butter sauce.
2. Spoon extra sauce over each piece of chicken.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Optionally garnish with parsley before serving immediately.

This simple yet flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken will surely delight everyone at your table! Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and can be presented in multiple ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Serve with Fresh Salad

  • Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and croutons complement the rich garlic butter sauce.
  • Greek Salad – A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese enhances the flavor profile.

Pair with Rice Dishes

  • Steamed Rice – Simple white or brown rice absorbs the delicious garlic butter sauce perfectly.
  • Garlic Rice – For an extra kick, make garlic-infused rice to echo the flavors of the chicken.

Accompany with Vegetables

  • Roasted Broccoli – Tender broccoli adds a healthy crunch and pairs beautifully with the buttery chicken.
  • Sautéed Green Beans – Lightly seasoned green beans provide a vibrant color and texture contrast.

Add Bread for Dipping

  • Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
  • Dinner Rolls – Soft rolls are a great option to complement the rich flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Creating the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken takes attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

  • Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried versions.
  • Pound the Chicken Evenly – This ensures even cooking, resulting in juicy chicken throughout.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing.
  • Control Heat Levels – Medium-high heat is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden crust without burning.
  • Taste as You Go – Adjust seasoning as needed during cooking for a more personalized flavor profile.
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Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

  1. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that complements the buttery sauce.
  2. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad adds a nutritious twist, balancing the richness of the chicken.
  3. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn offers a delightful contrast and is easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
  4. Zucchini Noodles – For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles can be tossed in olive oil and garlic for added flavor.
  5. Roasted Asparagus – Simple roasted asparagus adds elegance and pairs well with rich sauces.
  6. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that works beautifully with garlic butter flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

  • Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken well enough can lead to bland flavors. Always season generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
  • Overcrowding the skillet: Adding too much chicken at once can lower the pan’s temperature. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.
  • Not letting the chicken rest: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can cause juices to escape, resulting in dryness. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Ignoring the garlic: Cooking the garlic for too long can lead to bitterness. Add it just after the butter melts and cook briefly until fragrant.
  • Using cold ingredients: Adding cold broth or vinegar can cool down your skillet. Make sure your liquids are at room temperature for better deglazing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
  • It will keep well for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
  • You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) until warmed through.
  • Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water, then add the chicken. Cover and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when seasoning your chicken for an extra kick of heat.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results.

What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Can I customize the sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary or substitute lemon juice for apple vinegar for different flavor profiles.

How do I know when my chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked through.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This versatile recipe allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, whether you want more herbs or an added kick of spice. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful dish that will surely become a family favorite!

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Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and delicious dish that transforms everyday chicken into a flavorful masterpiece. This recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with a splash of apple vinegar for an irresistible depth of flavor. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this easy stovetop meal can be prepared in just 15 minutes, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with steamed veggies for a complete and satisfying dinner that will impress family and friends alike.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup white apple vinegar or chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season chicken with seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on one side for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from skillet to rest.
  4. Deglaze the skillet with apple vinegar or broth.
  5. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring until melted and fragrant.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat it in the sauce.
  7. Garnish if desired and serve immediately.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 596mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs or spices when seasoning the chicken. Adjust the amount of garlic based on your personal preference for a bolder taste.

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