Name: Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 9oz/250g chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (butterflied so they form 4 even pieces); 1/4 cup plain/all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt (plus extra to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper (plus extra to taste); 1/2 cup chicken stock; 6 tbsp unsalted butter (divided into chunks); 2 cloves garlic (minced or finely diced); 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely diced); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lemon (quartered, to serve)

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Picture this: golden-brown chicken breasts glistening with a luxurious garlic butter sauce, aromatic steam rising as you plate them up, the intoxicating scent of sautéed garlic filling your kitchen. This Garlic Butter Chicken is everything you want in a dinner recipe, impressive enough for date night or dinner guests, yet simple enough to pull together on a busy weeknight. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from an upscale restaurant. The combination of tender, juicy chicken with a rich, silky garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Simple, Quality Ingredients: This recipe celebrates the beauty of letting a few high-quality ingredients shine. With no complicated specialty items required, you’re working with pantry staples and fresh basics that come together to create magic.
Quick and Effortless: From start to finish, you’ll have this stunning dish on the table in under 30 minutes. The technique is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners gaining confidence and experienced cooks needing a reliable weeknight winner.
Restaurant-Worthy Presentation: The golden chicken bathed in glossy garlic butter sauce looks absolutely stunning on the plate. Your family and guests will think you’ve been slaving away for hours—let them believe it!
Incredibly Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with virtually any side dish you love, from creamy mashed potatoes to fresh vegetables, pasta, or crusty bread. It adapts to any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant entertaining.
Balanced and Satisfying: You’re getting lean protein with a rich sauce that feels indulgent but doesn’t weigh you down. The fresh lemon and parsley keep everything bright and balanced, making it a dish you’ll crave again and again.

With all these benefits rolled into one spectacular recipe, you’re about to discover why Garlic Butter Chicken deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation!

PREPARATION AND COOKING TIME

Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Note: Times may vary slightly based on your cooking experience and the thickness of your chicken breasts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2x 9oz/250g Chicken Breasts, brought close to room temp
1/4 cup / 40g Plain / All Purpose Flour
1/2 cup / 120ml Chicken Stock
6 tbsp / 90g / 3.2oz Unsalted Butter, divided into tbsp chunks (see notes)
2 cloves of Garlic, minced/finely diced
1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Salt, plus more to taste
1/2 tsp Black Pepper, plus more to taste
1 Lemon, divided into 4 wedges (to serve)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup flour with 1 tsp garlic powder & salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the flour.

Step 2: Butterfly and Dredge the Chicken

Butterfly your chicken breasts right through the centre to make 4 even-sized breasts. This ensures uniform cooking and creates perfect portion sizes. One by one, dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to get an even coverage on all sides. Give them a gentle shake to remove excess flour, then place to one side.

Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Add 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil to a large pan over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add in the chicken breasts. Fry until beautifully golden on each side and white/piping hot through the centre—approximately 3-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium and add your minced garlic to the same pan. Fry for 1-2 minutes until it just begins to turn golden and becomes wonderfully fragrant, then pour in the chicken stock. Use your wooden spoon to scrape off any flavorful bits stuck to the pan—this is liquid gold! Add in your remaining 5 tbsp butter, whisking swiftly as it melts to create an emulsion with the stock. The sauce should turn slightly cloudy and silky. Sprinkle in the fresh parsley and season to taste with salt & black pepper.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken to your desired consistency. Turn down the heat to low and nestle the chicken back into the pan. Spoon the luscious sauce over each piece, then serve immediately with extra sauce drizzled over the top and fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

HOW TO SERVE

Presentation: Plate each chicken breast individually or family-style on a large platter. Generously drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top and garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color.
Perfect Accompaniments: This dish shines alongside buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, angel hair pasta, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad. Don’t forget crusty bread to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce!
Portion Considerations: Each butterflied breast serves one person perfectly. If serving hearty eaters or adding minimal sides, consider preparing an extra chicken breast or two.
Beverage Pairings: A crisp Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Flavor Enhancement: Try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, or finish with a handful of grated Parmesan cheese for an even richer sauce.
Customization Options: Swap the parsley for fresh thyme, basil, or oregano to change up the flavor profile. You can also add sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra texture and complexity.
Serving Recommendations: Make sure to warm your serving plates before plating—this keeps the dish at the perfect temperature and shows restaurant-level attention to detail that your guests will appreciate.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: After making the basic garlic butter sauce, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a luxuriously creamy version. Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a sophisticated tang.
Herb-Crusted Version: Mix fresh chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, and sage) into the flour mixture before dredging. This creates an aromatic, herbaceous crust that adds another dimension of flavor.
Baked Garlic Butter Chicken: For a hands-off approach, prepare the sauce separately, place the seared chicken in a baking dish, pour the sauce over top, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. This method is perfect when cooking for a crowd.

FREEZING AND STORAGE

Storage: Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture. Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the sauce texture may change slightly upon freezing, but a quick whisk while reheating will help restore its silkiness.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

Large Non-Stick or Stainless Steel Skillet: A 12-inch pan gives you room to cook without crowding, ensuring even browning
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for butterflying the chicken breasts cleanly and evenly
Shallow Dish or Pie Plate: For dredging the chicken in seasoned flour
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for scraping up the flavorful fond from the pan
Wire Whisk: Crucial for creating the emulsified, silky sauce
Meat Thermometer (optional but recommended): Ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F

FAQs:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

A: Yes, but make sure they’re completely thawed and patted very dry before proceeding. For best results, allow them to come close to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes on the counter) before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.

Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, rice flour, or almond flour. The coating won’t be quite as crispy, but it will still create a lovely crust and help thicken the sauce.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: While this dish is best served fresh, you can butterfly and season your chicken up to 24 hours ahead, storing it covered in the refrigerator. The actual cooking should be done just before serving for optimal texture and temperature.

Q: My sauce seems too thin/thick—how do I fix it?

A: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a splash more chicken stock until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and will give you even juicier results. They may need an extra minute or two of cooking time. Bone-in, skin-on thighs can also be used—just increase cooking time significantly and crisp up the skin before making the sauce.

CONCLUSION

This Garlic Butter Chicken proves that extraordinary meals don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With tender, perfectly seasoned chicken bathed in a luxurious garlic butter sauce, you’re serving up a dish that satisfies on every level, comforting yet elegant, simple yet impressive, indulgent yet balanced. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to something wonderful on a Wednesday night, this recipe delivers the kind of results that make you feel like a culinary rockstar. So grab your skillet, embrace the intoxicating aroma of butter and garlic, and get ready to create a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds, and the recipe!