Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and a hint of apple vinegar for an unforgettable flavor experience. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With just 15 minutes of cooking time, you can create a meal that your family will love, making it a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this Garlic Butter Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, pasta, or salad for a complete meal that suits various occasions.
• Family Favorite: Its deliciousness makes it a sure hit with kids and adults alike!
• Healthy Option: Made with lean chicken breasts and fresh ingredients, this dish fits well into a balanced diet.

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Butter Chicken efficiently, having the right tools on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slotted spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides enough surface area to sear the chicken properly without overcrowding.
• Slotted spatula: Helps lift the chicken without letting the juices escape, keeping it moist.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning for perfect flavor balance.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 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)

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup white apple vinegar or chicken broth (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)

this recipe

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the pounded chicken in the skillet. Evenly season with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook without disturbing for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 2: Rest the Chicken

Once cooked through, remove the chicken using a slotted spatula. Place it on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze the Skillet

With caution, pour apple vinegar or chicken broth into the hot skillet. Allow it to bubble up and steam for a few seconds. This will help lift any flavorful bits stuck to the pan.

Step 4: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce

Add butter to the deglazed skillet. Stir continuously until melted. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Turn off the heat. Add the rested chicken back into the skillet. Flip it around in the garlic butter sauce while spooning some over each piece.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately while hot.

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken as a satisfying meal!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition. Simply steam until tender.
• Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic complements the rich sauce beautifully.
• Roasted Carrots: Sweet, caramelized carrots bring a lovely contrast. Roast them in the oven for maximum flavor.

On a Bed of Rice

• White Rice: A classic choice, fluffy white rice absorbs the garlic butter sauce perfectly.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds nutty flavor and extra fiber.
• Cauliflower Rice: Low-carb and light, cauliflower rice is a great alternative that soaks up flavors well.

With Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Use slices of warm baguette to soak up every drop of garlic butter sauce.
• Garlic Bread: For garlic lovers, serve alongside buttery garlic bread for double the flavor.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Perfecting Garlic Butter Chicken is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken before cooking; it enhances overall flavor.
• Proper searing: Allow the chicken to sear without moving it for optimal browning and juiciness.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality butter will elevate the dish’s taste significantly.
• Adjust sauce consistency: If you prefer more sauce, simply add extra butter or broth during cooking.
• Rest the chicken: Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy and tender.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides that enhance its flavors. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that delicious garlic butter sauce.
3. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed side that adds texture and nutty flavor alongside your chicken.
4. Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus brings a smoky touch and brightens up your plate.
5. Pasta Primavera: Tossed with seasonal vegetables, this pasta dish complements the chicken’s richness well.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a pop of color and sweetness; grill or boil for best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overcrowding the skillet: When cooking multiple chicken breasts, make sure they have enough space. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent that nice sear from forming.

• Skipping the resting time: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps retain juices and keeps the meat tender. Skipping this step can result in dry chicken.

• Incorrect heat settings: Cooking on too high heat can burn the garlic and butter. Keep your stovetop at medium-high to achieve a perfect golden crust without burning the sauce.

• Not measuring seasonings: While a little extra salt or pepper may not seem significant, it can overpower the dish. Measure seasonings carefully to ensure balanced flavor in your Garlic Butter Chicken.

• Using low-quality butter: The butter is a key ingredient in this recipe. Using unsalted, high-quality butter enhances flavor significantly compared to margarine or lower-grade butter.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure the chicken has cooled down before sealing it in the container.
• Reheat gently to maintain moisture and flavor.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Freeze portions in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date for easy reference.
• Ensure there is minimal air in bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.

• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. This helps retain moisture.

• Stovetop: Place chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water, cover, and warm gently until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and easy stovetop recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!

How do I customize Garlic Butter Chicken?

You can add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during cooking for added nutrition. Experimenting with different herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes! Just ensure you thaw them completely before cooking for even results. Cooking from frozen may require additional time.

How spicy is Garlic Butter Chicken?

The recipe is not inherently spicy but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer some heat!

What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. A fresh salad also complements its rich flavors nicely.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and delicious but also incredibly versatile! You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasoning levels to suit your taste preferences. This recipe will surely become a family favorite—give it a try!

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Garlic Butter Chicken

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• Author: Madison
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Garlic Butter Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that marries tender chicken breasts with a luscious garlic butter sauce, enhanced by a splash of apple vinegar. This quick and easy stovetop recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, taking just 15 minutes to prepare. With its rich flavors and versatility, you can serve it alongside rice, pasta, or fresh vegetables for a complete meal that delights everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this Garlic Butter Chicken will surely impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 to 2 teaspoons seasoning (21 Salute or poultry)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup white apple vinegar or chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add to the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 5 minutes until fully cooked.
3. Remove chicken to rest on a plate while preparing the sauce.
4. Deglaze the skillet with apple vinegar or broth, allowing it to bubble and lift any flavorful bits.
5. Add butter to the skillet; stir until melted, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
6. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it.
7. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (150g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during cooking. If you prefer more sauce, increase the butter or broth amount as desired.