Here is a simple and tasty chicken dish you can make tonight.
INTRODUCTION
Garlic Butter Chicken is a fast and tasty meal. It uses simple things you likely have at home. The chicken cooks in a hot pan until it gets a light brown crust. Then a quick garlic butter sauce makes the chicken rich and bright. This dish works for a weeknight or for guests. If you like simple sauces and bold flavor, you will enjoy this meal. For a sweet finish after dinner, consider a light treat like a butterscotch sauce you can make ahead.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for four plain reasons. First, it cooks fast. Second, it uses few ingredients. Third, it tastes rich and fresh. Fourth, it pairs well with many sides. The garlic and butter give a warm, homey taste that most people like. You do not need a lot of skill to get great results. You can change herbs or wine to match your taste. If you want a quick drink to go with it, try an easy almond butter espresso shake for a bold companion.
HOW TO MAKE Garlic Butter Chicken
This recipe is clear and direct. You start by pounding the chicken so it cooks evenly. Then you pan-sear the chicken until it is medium golden. After the chicken rests, you make a simple pan sauce with wine (or broth), butter, and garlic. Finally, return the chicken to the pan and coat it in the garlic butter sauce. The whole process takes about 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet (nonstick or stainless steel)
- Meat mallet or rolling pin to pound chicken
- Tongs or a slotted spatula
- Measuring spoons and cup
- Cutting board and knife
- Plate for resting the chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need :
3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness (4 average-sized breasts)), 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), 1/2 cup white wine* 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), 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
To a large skillet, add the olive oil, pounded chicken, evenly season with 21 Salute, salt, pepper, and cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Do not touch, move, or disturb the chicken while it is searing. After 5 minutes, flip chicken over. It should have a medium golden color. For thicker/bigger chicken breasts, sear for 6-7 minutes., Allow chicken to cook on the second side for about 5 minutes, or until done and cooked through. Again, do not disturb the chicken while it’s searing., Remove chicken with a slotted spatula and place it on a plate to rest., Using caution, deglaze your skillet by adding wine (or broth) and allow the liquid to bubble up and steam violently for a few seconds., Add the butter and allow it to melt, about 1 minute; stir continuously until melted., Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minutes; stir continuously., Turn the heat off, add the chicken back into the skillet, flip it around in the garlic butter sauce, and spoon the sauce over the chicken., Optionally garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
HOW TO SERVE Garlic Butter Chicken
Serve this chicken hot and saucy. Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the pieces right before you bring them to the table. This chicken works well on plain rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it on top of a green salad for a lighter meal. For a cool drink or a light dessert-style drink after the meal, try a smooth peanut butter coffee smoothie that pairs well with savory flavors.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Garlic Butter Chicken
Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat and spoon the sauce over the chicken so it stays moist. You can also reheat in a microwave for shorter time, but watch to avoid drying out the meat. For freezing, place the cooked chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with steamed broccoli and lemon wedges for a fresh touch.
- Spoon over buttered egg noodles for a simple family meal.
- Add a side of roasted carrots and a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Pair with a light white wine or a simple iced coffee if you want a cold drink. A chilled keto cinnamon toast butter coffee can be an unusual but tasty match if you like flavored coffee drinks.
VARIATIONS
- Garlic-Lemon: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end for a creamy garlic sauce.
- Herb Mix: Add fresh thyme or rosemary when you add the butter for a different herb note.
- Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for heat.
- Bacon: Add cooked bacon bits to the sauce for a smoky note.
If you like a cold coffee drink to go with your meal, you might enjoy a sweet twist like the peanut butter iced coffee for a playful pairing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Use boneless skinless thighs and watch the cooking time. Thighs can be a bit more forgiving and stay moist.
Q: Do I need to pound the chicken?
A: Pounding helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender. It is not required but it gives better, even results.
Q: Can I skip the wine?
A: Yes. Use chicken broth instead of wine. The sauce will still be tasty.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Cut into the thickest part and look for no pink. Or use a meat thermometer. The safe temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make the sauce with more garlic?
A: Yes. Add more garlic to taste. Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
Q: Is this dish low carb?
A: The chicken and sauce are low in carbs if you skip high-carb sides. Pick a low-carb side to keep the meal light.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Garlic Butter Chicken
- Prep chicken: Pound and season the chicken up to a day ahead. Keep covered in the fridge.
- Mince garlic: Chop the garlic and keep it in a small sealed container in the fridge for a day.
- Make sauce: You can make the wine/butter sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently and finish with fresh garlic when ready to serve.
- Cook and reheat: Cook the chicken fully, then cool and store in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet and spoon warmed sauce over the top to refresh the flavor.
Enjoy this simple Garlic Butter Chicken. It is quick to make, full of garlic flavor, and fits many sides. Try one variation to make it your own and keep a jar of good butter on hand to make the sauce rich and smooth.
Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pounded chicken and season evenly with 21 Salute, salt, and pepper.
- Cook without moving the chicken for 5 minutes until it has a medium golden color.
- Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
- Deglaze the skillet by adding wine (or broth) and allowing it to bubble for a few seconds.
- Add the butter and stir until melted, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Turn off the heat, return the chicken to the skillet, and spoon the garlic butter sauce over it.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.