Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a dish that transforms simple chicken breasts into an unforgettable meal. Cooked in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of apple vinegar, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s quick to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes—making it ideal for busy families. The combination of tenderness and robust flavors will surely make it a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Garlic Butter Chicken can be made in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
• Flavor-Packed: The rich garlic butter sauce combined with apple vinegar elevates the taste of the chicken to new heights.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: With its mouthwatering flavor, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one skillet.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need some key tools and equipment. Having these on hand will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slotted spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for searing the chicken evenly without overcrowding.
• Slotted spatula: Allows you to lift the chicken easily while letting excess sauce drain away.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures you add the right amounts of seasoning and ingredients for optimal flavor.

Ingredients

Garlic Butter Chicken requires just a few simple ingredients that come together to create a delightful meal.

• 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 apple vinegar 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)

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

To start, take your pounded chicken breasts and season them evenly with the 21 Salute Seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook without disturbing them for about 5 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. Flip the chicken over and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until fully cooked through.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet using a slotted spatula and place it on a plate. Allow it to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet

With caution, add the apple vinegar (or broth) to deglaze your skillet. Let it bubble up for a few seconds to lift all those delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add unsalted butter to the skillet and stir continuously until melted. Then, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about one minute.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Turn off the heat and return the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Flip it around in the garlic butter sauce generously coating each piece.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve immediately over rice, pasta, or vegetables for an irresistible meal!

Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you are serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, here are some great serving suggestions.

With Rice

• Serve the garlic butter chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

With Pasta

• Toss the chicken with your favorite pasta for a quick and satisfying meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese enhances the flavors.

On a Salad

• Slice the chicken and place it on top of a fresh garden salad. Drizzle with extra garlic butter sauce for added flavor.

In Tacos

• Shred the chicken and serve it in warm tortillas with avocado, salsa, and your choice of toppings for a fun twist.

As a Sandwich

• Use the garlic butter chicken in a sandwich with crusty bread, lettuce, and tomato for a tasty lunch option.

With Vegetables

• Pair the chicken with steamed or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal that’s both healthy and filling.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Making perfect Garlic Butter Chicken is easy with these simple tips. Follow them to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time!

• Use Evenly Pounded Chicken: Ensure your chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness. This promotes uniform cooking and prevents drying out.

• Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the chicken creates a beautiful golden crust. Avoid moving the chicken while it cooks for best results.

• Deglaze Properly: When deglazing, let the vinegar or broth bubble vigorously to lift all those flavorful bits from the skillet.

• Adjust Butter: Feel free to adjust the amount of butter based on your preference for richness in the sauce.

• Taste as You Go: Seasonings can vary by taste; always sample along the way to ensure balanced flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing sides with Garlic Butter Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting match.

2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering flavors.

3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with veggies provides texture and freshness.

4. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots enhance the savory notes of garlic butter chicken beautifully.

5. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice absorbs all that garlic buttery goodness nicely.

6. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts add crunch and depth, making them an excellent side choice.

7. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the rich flavors of this dish, adding sweetness and crunch.

8. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw balances out the richness of garlic butter chicken, refreshing each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks make common mistakes that can affect the outcome of their Garlic Butter Chicken. Here are some tips to help you avoid pitfalls.

• Not pounding the chicken – Failing to pound chicken breasts to an even thickness can lead to uneven cooking. Take a few minutes to flatten them for consistent results.
• Overcrowding the pan – Adding too much chicken at once can cause steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that golden crust.
• Skipping the resting time – Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can result in dry meat. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
• Ignoring the garlic timing – Adding garlic too early can lead to burnt flavor. Always add it towards the end of cooking for the best taste.
• Using low-quality butter – The richness of your sauce depends on good-quality butter. Choose unsalted and fresh butter for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil; heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave – Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Garlic Butter Chicken, along with answers that may help you perfect this dish.

Can I use different types of chicken?

You can use thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What if I don’t have apple vinegar?

You can substitute white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor in your Garlic Butter Chicken.

How do I make this dish keto-friendly?

This recipe is already low in carbs! Use unsweetened broth and avoid high-carb sides for a complete keto meal.

Can I customize the seasoning?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious and versatile. You can customize it with various seasonings or serve it over pasta, rice, or vegetables. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful meal that your family will love!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Garlic Butter Chicken

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that turns ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, it features tender chicken seared to perfection and bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of apple vinegar. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions, Garlic Butter Chicken is sure to become a family favorite with its mouthwatering flavors that please both young and old alike.

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Ingredients

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• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded)
• 1–2 teaspoons seasoning (21 Salute or poultry)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup white apple vinegar or chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Season pounded chicken breasts with seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; sear chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
4. Deglaze the skillet with apple vinegar or broth, scraping up browned bits.
5. Add butter and minced garlic; stir until melted and fragrant.
6. Coat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce before serving.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (approximately 6 oz)
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg