Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful, simple dish where tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs well with vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and allow it to melt.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Stir in the dried thyme and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides such as rice, vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Make It Creamy: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the garlic butter sauce.
- Grill Option: For a grilled version, season the chicken and grill it, then top it with the garlic butter sauce once cooked.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American