- Garlic Butter Chicken

$- Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay moist. If you prefer, chicken thighs also work well. - Butter: Use unsalted butter for this recipe. It allows you to control the salt level, enhancing the dish's flavor. - Herbs and Spices: - Thyme: This herb adds a warm, earthy taste. - Smoked paprika: This spice gives a lovely smoky depth. - Onion powder: It adds a sweet, mild onion flavor. - Additional Ingredients: - Chicken broth: It builds a rich, savory base for the sauce. - Lemon juice: This brightens the dish with a fresh zing. - Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions! To make garlic butter chicken, start by seasoning the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick. Sprinkle salt, pepper, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and onion powder on both sides. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Next, let's melt the butter. Use a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Wait until it melts and bubbles. This means it's ready for the chicken. Now, cook the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on one side. When they turn golden brown, flip them over. Cook the other side for the same time. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it's safe to eat. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Let's make the sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt. Then, add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. You'll know it's done when it smells fragrant but not burnt. Now, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir well to mix everything. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom. This adds extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes. This helps it reduce and thicken. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over it. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Your garlic butter chicken is now ready to serve! For a detailed recipe, check out the Full Recipe. How to prevent chicken from drying out To keep your chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Cook it until it reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Also, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices spread within the meat. Tips for ensuring garlic doesn't burn Garlic can burn fast, which makes it bitter. Cook it on medium heat and watch it closely. Stir it often and remove it as soon as it turns golden. This way, you keep all its tasty flavor without the bitterness. Best side dishes to pair with garlic butter chicken Garlic butter chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans. Fluffy rice is great too, as it soaks up the sauce. You can also serve it with a crisp salad for a fresh touch. Plating ideas for appealing presentation When plating, place the chicken in the center of the plate. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. You can also add a side of vegetables or rice around the chicken for a nice look. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out chicken breasts for thighs. Thighs have more fat, giving juicy flavor. If you're plant-based, try tofu or tempeh. Both will soak up the garlic butter sauce well. For butter, use olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. These choices keep the dish rich and tasty. You can also try vegan butter, which works great in this recipe. Adding veggies makes this dish even better. Bell peppers add sweetness and color. Mushrooms bring an earthy taste that pairs well with garlic. Sauté them in the skillet before adding the chicken for extra flavor. If you like it spicy, try red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Just a pinch can turn up the heat. Adding these spices brings a fun twist to the classic garlic butter chicken. For the full recipe, check out Garlic Butter Chicken Delight! To store leftover garlic butter chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken juicy and fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Properly stored, it can last for three months in the freezer. When reheating, I recommend using the oven or stovetop. These methods help keep the chicken moist. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to the skillet. This adds moisture. Heat it over medium-low heat. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally. To refresh flavors, drizzle a bit of lemon juice before serving. This will brighten up the dish. Enjoy your garlic butter chicken, even as leftovers! Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. But, you must thaw it first. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. If short on time, place the chicken in cold water for a quick defrost. Once thawed, follow the recipe as usual. What can I do if I don't have chicken broth on hand? If you lack chicken broth, use water with added seasoning. You can mix water with a bit of soy sauce. This gives a nice flavor. Vegetable broth is also a good substitute. Overview of calories, protein, and other nutritional facts Garlic butter chicken has about 350 calories per serving. Each serving packs around 30 grams of protein. It also provides essential vitamins from garlic and herbs used. Healthy modifications: Making it lower in calories To lower calories, use less butter. You can replace it with olive oil. Opt for skinless chicken thighs for more flavor with fewer calories. Adding more veggies can also help boost nutrition. Can this recipe be made in the oven or slow cooker? Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Keep the garlic butter sauce to pour on after cooking. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 4-5 hours. Is it possible to grill the chicken for a smoky flavor? Absolutely! Grilling adds a nice smoky taste. Marinate the chicken in the garlic butter sauce before grilling. Cook it for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Enjoy the unique flavor! This blog post covered key ingredients, detailed steps, and helpful tips for making garlic butter chicken. You learned the best cuts of chicken, the right way to season, and how to make a tasty sauce. Remember to avoid burning garlic and to keep chicken juicy. Try using alternative proteins or adding veggies for a twist. Store leftovers properly and refresh flavors when reheating. Enjoy exploring this dish, and happy cooking!$

- Garlic Butter Chicken

Elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken recipe! Succulent chicken cooked in rich garlic butter creates a savory delight that's easy to prepare and sure to impress. Discover tips on choosing the right ingredients, cooking methods, and even how to store leftovers for freshness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, and onion powder.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and bubbling, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring well to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to soak in the garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Once the chicken is heated through, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the garlic butter chicken on a plate with a generous drizzle of the sauce on top, and a sprinkle of parsley. Pair with steamed vegetables or fluffy rice to soak up the extra sauce.