Garlic Butter Chicken

Introduction:

Garlic Butter Chicken is a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with the rich flavors of garlic and butter. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while remaining succulent on the inside. The star of the dish is the luscious garlic butter sauce, infused with fresh herbs and tangy lemon, which coats the chicken in a savory, buttery glaze. This versatile recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests at a special meal. Serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables for a complete, satisfying dish.

The History of Garlic Butter Chicken:

Garlic and butter are classic ingredients in European cuisine, particularly in French and Italian cooking, where butter-based sauces like beurre blanc have long been a staple. Garlic, too, has been used for centuries as a key flavoring agent. The combination of garlic, butter, and chicken is a natural fusion that has evolved into countless variations worldwide, from garlic chicken in Asia to Italian-inspired garlic butter dishes. Garlic Butter Chicken, as we know it today, draws from the simple but flavorful traditions of European cooking and has become a go-to comfort dish for home cooks.

Ingredients Breakdown:

• Chicken:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Provides the protein and base for the dish. Thighs offer extra juiciness, while breasts stay lean.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and color to the chicken.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
• Garlic Butter Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Forms the base of the sauce, adding rich flavor and a smooth texture.
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced: The star ingredient, providing a bold, aromatic flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried): Adds herbal notes that complement the garlic.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (or ½ teaspoon dried): Brightens the dish with a fresh, green flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the butter.
  • ¼ cup chicken broth (optional): Adds moisture and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
  • Lemon wedges (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness when serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Season the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken breasts (or thighs) dry with paper towels. Season both sides with paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chicken.
   • Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F for breasts or 175°F for thighs). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter.
   • Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
   • Add the fresh thyme and parsley, stirring to combine.
   • Optional: Add the chicken broth to deglaze the pan and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Finish the Chicken:
   • Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top to coat the chicken.
   • Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, spoon any remaining sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley.
   • Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken:

1. Use Room-Temperature Chicken: This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.
2. Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Cook the garlic only until fragrant; burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter.
3. Deglaze the Pan: If using chicken broth or lemon juice, make sure to scrape up the browned bits in the pan for extra flavor.
4. Adjust the Herbs: Customize the dish with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil for a twist.
5. Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juiciness.

Variations and Customizations:

1. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier finish.
2. Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a kick of heat.
3. Garlic Butter Chicken with Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy addition to the sauce.
4. Garlic Butter Shrimp: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, adjusting the cook time to 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Lemon-Garlic Butter Chicken: Increase the amount of lemon juice and add lemon zest for a more pronounced citrus flavor.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish, but it can be high in fat due to the butter. To make it a bit lighter:

• Use olive oil instead of butter, or reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons.
• Opt for skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option.
• Add more vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini to bulk up the dish without adding calories.

FAQ:

1. Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time?
   Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the skillet with additional butter or chicken broth to keep it moist.
2. Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken?
   Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken (without the sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat with fresh garlic butter sauce when ready to serve.
3. What sides go well with Garlic Butter Chicken?
   This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, steamed rice, or sautéed greens like spinach or kale.

Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick, delicious dish featuring juicy chicken in a rich, savory garlic and herb butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Simple to make and full of flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 3

Ingredients

  

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ½ 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
• ½ 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

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.

Notes

Wine: I recommend white wine because I think the flavor is better than with chicken broth, and I personally believe that the alcohol burns off, and what you’re left with is the flavor imparted by the wine. However, use broth if that is a better option for your lifestyle or needs.

 

Storage: Chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to 4 months.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1, Calories: 294kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 63mg, Sodium: 2936mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g