Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Delight

Crispy, golden chicken drizzled with rich garlic butter creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Melted butter mingles with minced garlic, creating an aromatic blend that promises pure deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet elegant dish.

Tender chicken pieces absorb the robust, savory notes of garlic and butter, turning an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this uncomplicated recipe that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Succulent and packed with incredible depth, this dish invites you to savor every single bite.

Let’s cook something amazing that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

  • What is 21 Salute Seasoning?

A blend of 21 different herbs and spices created by Trader Joe’s, which typically includes salt, pepper, dried garlic, dried onion, and various other seasonings that add robust flavor to chicken and other dishes.

  • Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried parsley by using about 1/3 of the amount of fresh parsley. The flavor will be slightly less vibrant, but it still works well in the recipe.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Is a Classic Favorite

  • Quicken Dinner Prep: Whip up this mouthwatering chicken dish in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Boost Flavor Instantly: The combination of white wine or broth, garlic, and butter creates a rich, restaurant-quality sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal everyone will love.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable to different skill levels, this recipe works for both novice cooks and experienced chefs, ensuring a tasty result that pairs wonderfully with various side dishes like rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this skillet-based recipe that cooks everything in a single pan, reducing dish washing and making meal preparation a breeze for home cooks looking to simplify their cooking routine.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this flavorful dish.
Seasoning Blend:
  • 21 Salute Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: A combination of herbs and spices that enhances the chicken's natural flavors and provides a well-rounded seasoning profile.
Cooking Liquids and Fats:
  • Olive Oil, White Wine or Chicken Broth: Helps create a delicious pan sauce and adds moisture to the chicken.
  • Butter, Minced Garlic: Provides rich, creamy texture and a deep, aromatic flavor to the dish.
Garnish (Optional):
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh touch and a pop of color to the finished chicken.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling foundation for your delicious chicken dish.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with a blend of:
  • 21 Salute Seasoning (or poultry seasoning)
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Ensure each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful seasonings.

Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection

Place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, cooking until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Flip the chicken and cook the other side, allowing approximately 5-6 minutes per side to develop a rich, appetizing color.

Step 4: Deglaze with Liquid Magic

Pour white wine or chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, releasing maximum flavor.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat and add butter and minced garlic.

Stir gently until the butter melts completely and the garlic becomes wonderfully aromatic.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Continue cooking until the chicken reaches full doneness and the sauce thickens slightly, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Transfer to serving plates and enjoy immediately while hot and juicy.

Pro Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in juicy tenderness.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning while creating a perfect sear.
  • Swap white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version or use dry vermouth for extra depth of flavor.
  • Reduce garlic amount for a milder taste or use roasted garlic for a sweeter, more mellow flavor profile.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked results.

Variations to Try on Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Low-Carb Herb Chicken: Replace white wine with chicken broth and add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor without increasing carbohydrates.
  • Dairy-Free Garlic Chicken: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil and use coconut aminos instead of wine for a rich, allergen-friendly version.
  • Keto Friendly Chicken: Use ghee instead of butter, add extra virgin olive oil, and ensure seasoning is sugar-free for a ketogenic diet-compatible meal.
  • Mediterranean Style Chicken: Incorporate lemon juice, oregano, and replace some butter with Greek yogurt for a tangy, Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Serving Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Rustic Dinner Companion: Pair this garlic butter chicken with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious pan sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
  • Bright Mediterranean Twist: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese to balance the rich, buttery chicken flavors and add fresh texture.
  • Hearty Grain Side: Complement the dish with fluffy quinoa or herbed rice pilaf, which will absorb the garlic butter sauce and provide a nutritious, wholesome accompaniment to the protein.
  • Wine Pairing Pleasure: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the chicken's delicate garlic butter sauce and cut through its richness.

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, ensuring the meat stays moist and fresh.
  • Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Chicken will maintain quality for up to 4 months when properly sealed.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of broth. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes, preserving the garlic butter sauce's flavor and moisture.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken merges Italian culinary passion with home-style comfort, delivering a quick weeknight dinner sensation. Juicy chicken breasts bathed in rich, aromatic butter sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings:

  • 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Aromatics and Garnish:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic
  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature until surface shimmers.
  2. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with 21 Salute Seasoning, ensuring even coverage of salt and pepper on all surfaces.
  3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot oil, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
  4. Pour white wine or chicken broth into skillet to release caramelized cooking remnants, gently scraping pan bottom with spatula.
  5. Lower cooking temperature and introduce butter and minced garlic, swirling until butter completely dissolves and garlic releases aromatic essence.
  6. Maintain gentle heat, allowing chicken to reach complete internal doneness while sauce gradually condenses and thickens, roughly 2-3 minutes.
  7. Optionally sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across chicken surface for vibrant color and enhanced flavor profile.
  8. Transfer chicken immediately to serving plates, drizzling remaining pan sauce over top for maximum moisture and taste.

Notes

  • Swap seasoning blends like Italian herbs or Cajun spice mix to transform the chicken’s flavor profile instantly.
  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra juiciness and deeper flavor if chicken breasts feel too lean.
  • Reduce butter quantity or substitute with olive oil for a lighter, heart-healthy version of the recipe.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 285 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 370 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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