Garlic Butter Chicken

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 to 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 cup white apple vinegar or chicken broth; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon garlic

Published: August 6, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Flavor Explosion: The rich garlic butter sauce adds an irresistible flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal.
Easy Cleanup: With just one skillet needed, cleanup is a breeze!
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the seasonings or add your favorite herbs to make it uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet
Slotted spatula
Measuring spoons
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet: A good skillet provides even heat distribution, which is crucial for searing the chicken perfectly.
Slotted spatula: This tool allows you to lift the chicken without excess oil or juices dripping off, ensuring less mess.
Knife: A sharp knife is essential for evenly pounded chicken breasts, leading to consistent cooking times.

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)
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)

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

To begin, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pounded chicken breasts and season them evenly with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Cook the chicken without moving it for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
Flip the chicken over and allow it to cook on this side for another 5 minutes or until fully cooked through.

Step 2: Rest the Chicken

Once cooked, use a slotted spatula to remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze the Skillet

Carefully pour in the apple vinegar (or broth) into the hot skillet. Allow it to bubble up for a few seconds while scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add in the unsalted butter and stir until completely melted.

Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute while stirring continuously.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Turn off the heat and return the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Coat each piece generously with sauce by flipping them around and spooning some over each piece.

Step 6: Serve

Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately. Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Serving Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful experience that can be tailored to your preferences. This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides, making it suitable for any occasion.

With Fresh Salad

A crisp mixed greens salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich garlic butter sauce. Top it with a light vinaigrette for extra zing.

Over Rice or Quinoa

Serving the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa allows you to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. Both options are filling and nutritious.

With Steamed Vegetables

Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans complement the meal and provide essential nutrients while keeping the dish light.

In a Wrap

Shred the garlic butter chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce for a quick and tasty lunch option.

On Toast

For a simple yet satisfying option, serve the sliced chicken on toasted bread with some of the garlic butter sauce drizzled on top. It’s perfect as an appetizer or snack.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve the best results when making Garlic Butter Chicken, follow these helpful tips for juicy and flavorful chicken.

Pound your chicken – Ensuring that the chicken breasts are of even thickness allows for uniform cooking, resulting in tender meat.
Sear without moving – Letting the chicken sear without disturbance creates a beautiful golden crust that locks in flavor.
Use fresh ingredients – Fresh garlic and herbs enhance the taste of the dish significantly compared to dried alternatives.
Adjust seasoning – Taste your garlic butter sauce before serving and adjust seasoning to personal preference; this ensures optimal flavor.
Let it rest – Allowing the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing helps retain its juices, making each bite tender.
Experiment with herbs – Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the dish by adding layers of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent pairing, providing comfort alongside your flavorful chicken.
Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus adds a touch of elegance and vibrant colors to your plate while balancing richness.
Couscous Salad – A refreshing couscous salad mixed with diced vegetables provides texture and complements the savory flavors of the chicken.
Creamy Polenta – Smooth and creamy polenta serves as a delicious base for soaking up any excess garlic butter sauce from your chicken.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts – Roasting Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze enhances their natural sweetness, creating a tasty contrast to the dish.
Quinoa Pilaf – A flavorful quinoa pilaf loaded with herbs and spices makes for a hearty yet healthy side that pairs wonderfully with garlic butter chicken.
Cauliflower Rice – For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice can be seasoned and sautéed to provide an excellent alternative that absorbs flavors beautifully.
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet grilled corn offers a fun element to your meal, adding crunch and natural sweetness that balances out savory notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Garlic Butter Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can lead to a more flavorful and satisfying dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Boldly seasoning too late: Seasoning the chicken after cooking can prevent flavor penetration. Always season before cooking for the best taste.
Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too many pieces at once can lower the skillet’s temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the chicken right after cooking allows juices to escape, making it dry. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Using low-quality ingredients: Using subpar butter or oil can affect flavor. Choose high-quality olive oil and butter for a richer sauce.
Not monitoring cooking time: Overcooking chicken can result in dryness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) without overdoing it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

Freeze portions of garlic butter chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Properly stored, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate covered with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Garlic Butter Chicken:

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, often enhanced with vinegar or broth.

How can I make my Garlic Butter Chicken spicier?

To spice up your Garlic Butter Chicken, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce during cooking to achieve the desired heat level.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even lean cuts of beef or lamb while following the same recipe for similar results.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

The safest way to check if your chicken is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize this dish with different herbs and spices based on your preferences. Try this recipe tonight and discover why it’s destined to become a family favorite!

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