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Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken
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Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner recipe featuring juicy, tender chicken cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce infused with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup chicken broth or white wine

Optional Variations

  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne (for spice)
  • Olive oil and coconut cream (for dairy-free option)
  • Rosemary, basil, or oregano (alternative herbs)
  • ½ cup sliced mushrooms (sautéed)
  • ½ cup fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes (added at end)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken and cook without moving it for 5-7 minutes until it forms a golden crust. Flip and cook the other side similarly until golden and nearly cooked through.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs to the pan. Stir gently to infuse the butter with flavor without burning the garlic.
  4. Finish Cooking with Broth and Lemon: Pour in chicken broth or white wine and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Let everything simmer together, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to absorb all the flavors. Turn chicken occasionally to coat it in the sauce.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top before serving for maximum flavor impact.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juicy results.
  • Pat the chicken dry thoroughly to achieve a perfect crust.
  • Add garlic late in cooking to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • Use high-quality unsalted butter for a clean, rich flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce until it slightly thickens to concentrate flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, buttery garlic sauce, tender chicken, comfort food

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/garlic-butter-chicken/