Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2x 9oz/250g Chicken Breasts, brought close to room temp; 1/4 cup / 40g Plain / All Purpose Flour; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, plus more to taste; 1/2 cup / 120ml Chicken Stock; 6 tbsp / 90g / 3.2oz Unsalted Butter, divided into tbsp chunks; 2 cloves of Garlic, minced/finely diced; 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 Lemon, divided into 4 wedges (to serve)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 13 reviews

If you are craving a dish that feels comforting, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make, this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. With tender chicken breasts cooked to juicy perfection and bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, every bite bursts with rich, savory goodness. This recipe blends simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like a culinary masterpiece, perfect for weeknights or any time you want dinner to feel special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four pieces of golden brown fried chicken are placed in a black frying pan with a silver handle. The chicken pieces have a crispy texture and are spread out evenly inside the pan. The pan sits on a white marbled surface which contrasts with the dark pan and bright chicken. The golden color of the chicken shows a well-cooked, slightly crunchy outside layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe plays a vital role in creating its delightful flavor and texture. They’re all straightforward items you probably have on hand, which makes this recipe not only irresistible but super accessible. Each component contributes to a harmony of taste and richness that makes the dish unforgettable.

Chicken Breasts (2x 9oz/250g): Butterflied for even cooking and juicy tenderness.
Plain / All Purpose Flour (1/4 cup / 40g): Helps create a delicate coating for a lovely golden crust.
Chicken Stock (1/2 cup / 120ml): Adds a savory base for the sauce, making it deep and flavorful.
Unsalted Butter (6 tbsp / 90g): Divided to build different layers of buttery richness throughout the dish.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): The star flavor—fresh and fragrant for that unforgettable garlicky punch.
Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, finely diced): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps in searing the chicken to a perfect golden brown without burning.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Boosts the garlic flavors, ensuring every bite is bursting with aroma.
Salt (1 tsp plus more to taste): Essential for seasoning and unlocking the flavors of all ingredients.
Black Pepper (1/2 tsp plus more to taste): Adds subtle warmth and a hint of spice that balances the richness.
Lemon (1, cut into 4 wedges): Optional but brilliant for squeezing over the finished dish to brighten and lift the flavors.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by gently butterfly slicing the chicken breasts to create even-sized pieces, making sure they cook uniformly throughout. This step ensures juicy, tender chicken every time. Then, in a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken in this seasoned flour, pressing gently so it adheres well, creating that crucial base for a crispy, flavorful crust.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large pan over medium-high, melting 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil. Once hot, lay the floured chicken pieces in the pan, making sure not to crowd them. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through, locking in the juiciness. Remove them from the pan and set aside to rest for a moment.

Step 3: Craft the Garlic Butter Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan, sautéing it for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and just beginning to brown. Pour in the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan, scraping all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Add the remaining butter and whisk briskly as it melts, binding with the stock to create a slightly cloudy, silky sauce. Toss in the fresh parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce

Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it starts to thicken just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Then lower the heat to keep it warm, nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan, and spoon the luxurious sauce over them. Allow everything to warm together for a couple more minutes so the flavors blend perfectly before serving.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface holding a dish with three main layers. At the bottom are several bright green asparagus stalks arranged horizontally. On top of the asparagus, in the center, there is a piece of golden-brown fish covered with a light green herb sauce that has a slightly shiny texture. Around the fish, on the upper part of the plate, there are thick, crispy roasted potato cubes, golden with browned edges and sprinkled lightly with green herbs. A lemon wedge sits underneath the fish, with its bright yellow color visible. A fork is positioned on the right side of the plate, holding a small piece of the fish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh lemon wedges are an absolute game changer with this dish. A quick squeeze of lemon juice just before eating adds a delightful zing that cuts through the buttery richness and highlights the garlic flavors. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley also brings a fresh herbal note and a lovely pop of green color, making the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Chicken is impressively versatile when it comes to sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice soak up the sauce beautifully, making every bite indulgent. For a lighter touch, pair it with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness and add texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken on a platter with sauce pooled around the base and garnished with lemon wedges and parsley sprigs. Alternatively, layering the chicken atop a bed of buttery garlic pasta or herb-infused quinoa can add elegance and make the meal even more satisfying. Don’t shy away from drizzle extras of the garlic butter sauce over both the chicken and sides to elevate every forkful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and sauce will keep beautifully for 2 to 3 days, maintaining much of their original flavor. Make sure to pour some extra sauce over the chicken before sealing to keep it moist.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but best done without the fresh parsley or lemon wedges, which can dull in flavor after thawing. Place the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. For best quality, consume within 1 to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a pan over low to medium heat to warm the chicken gently and revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating and add a splash of chicken stock or water if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce luscious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and rich flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic on hand?

If fresh garlic isn’t available, you can use additional garlic powder in the sauce. However, fresh garlic provides that vibrant aroma and depth that really makes this recipe shine.

Is it necessary to butterfly the chicken breasts?

Butterflying helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly. If your breasts are already thin or small, you might not need to do this. Thick breast halves especially benefit from butterflying to avoid overcooking the outside while the inside remains raw.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While butter is essential for that signature richness, you could substitute with a non-dairy spread or olive oil for cooking. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be somewhat different but still delicious in its own way.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, let it simmer a little longer uncovered so some liquid evaporates. Alternatively, mix a tiny bit of flour or cornstarch with cold water and whisk it into the sauce while simmering for instant thickening.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a dinner that comes together quickly yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, and this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe perfectly fits that description. Its comforting, rich garlic butter sauce paired with tender chicken makes every meal feel like a treat. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and watch it become a beloved favorite in your family’s dinner rotation. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need