Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. This easy stovetop recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced by a splash of apple vinegar. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this meal is not only flavorful but also quick to prepare. In just 15 minutes, you can serve up a dish that your family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for busy evenings.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter elevates the chicken, making each bite irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great on its own or served over rice or pasta, it fits any table setting.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this savory dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking Garlic Butter Chicken, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and better results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Slotted spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Provides ample space for searing chicken evenly without overcrowding.
- Slotted spatula: Allows you to remove cooked chicken while leaving the juices behind for the sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 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)
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more if you want extra sauce)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced; or to taste)
For Garnish
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
To a large skillet, add the olive oil. Place the pounded chicken in the skillet and season evenly with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes without moving the chicken. After this time, flip the chicken over; it should have a medium golden color. For thicker breasts, sear for an additional minute or two.
Step 2: Finish Cooking
Let the chicken cook on the second side for about 5 minutes or until fully cooked through. Again, do not disturb it during this time.
Step 3: Rest the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the skillet using a slotted spatula and place it on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet
Carefully pour in the apple vinegar (or broth) to deglaze your skillet. Allow it to bubble up for a few seconds, scraping up any brown bits stuck at the bottom.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Add in the butter and let it melt while stirring continuously for about one minute until fully melted.
Step 6: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, roughly one minute. Keep stirring to prevent burning.
Step 7: 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 and spoon some of that delicious sauce over it.
Step 8: Serve
Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately. Enjoy your tasty Garlic Butter Chicken!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious dish that can be served in various ways to elevate your meal. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will make your dish shine.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing the garlic butter sauce to soak in for added flavor.
With Pasta
- Toss cooked pasta in the garlic butter sauce for a hearty meal. You can add vegetables for extra nutrition.
In Tacos
- Shred the chicken and serve in warm tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime for a fun twist.
On a Salad
- Slice the chicken and place it on a bed of greens. Drizzle with extra garlic butter sauce or vinaigrette for added flavor.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair the chicken with crusty bread to soak up the delightful garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for dipping!
As Meal Prep
- Prepare individual servings of garlic butter chicken to enjoy throughout the week. It keeps well in the fridge and reheats nicely.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
Perfecting Garlic Butter Chicken is simple with these helpful tips. Follow them to achieve juicy and flavorful results every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality butter enhance flavor significantly.
- Pound Chicken Evenly: Ensure uniform thickness for even cooking and better texture.
- Don’t Disturb While Searing: Allowing the chicken to sear without movement creates a beautiful crust.
- Deglaze Properly: Scrape the bottom of the skillet after removing the chicken to capture all those flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; feel free to adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish for Appeal: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness, making your dish visually appealing.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken
Serving Garlic Butter Chicken with complementary side dishes enhances your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that pair well with this flavorful chicken.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that complements the dish perfectly.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and crunch, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted seasonal vegetables brings sweetness and texture, enhancing your plate’s appeal.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice as a light base that pairs beautifully with garlic butter flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with herbs provides protein and additional nutrients while keeping things light.
- Crusty Baguette: A warm baguette is perfect for soaking up any remaining garlic butter sauce on your plate.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness, contrasting well with the rich chicken dish.
- Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs can absorb the flavors of the garlic butter sauce wonderfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you succeed.
- Overcrowding the skillet: When cooking chicken, avoid placing too many pieces in the pan at once. This can lower the temperature and result in uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Not pounding the chicken: If your chicken breasts are not pounded to an even thickness, they may cook unevenly. Take a few minutes to flatten them for consistent cooking.
- Ignoring resting time: Failing to let the chicken rest after cooking can lead to dry meat. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving so juices redistribute.
- Using cold ingredients: Adding cold butter or vinegar directly into a hot pan can cause splattering and affect the sauce’s consistency. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start.
- Skipping seasoning: Don’t overlook seasoning your chicken properly. A well-seasoned piece of meat enhances flavor significantly. Use ample salt and pepper as recommended.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Make sure to cool it completely before sealing the container.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label with date and contents for easy identification later.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add a splash of broth or water, then warm the chicken while covered until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make garlic butter sauce thicker?
You can thicken the garlic butter sauce by adding a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use other types of vinegar?
Yes! While white apple vinegar adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or even lemon juice for a different taste profile in your Garlic Butter Chicken recipe.
What sides pair well with garlic butter chicken?
Garlic Butter Chicken goes well with rice, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes. These sides complement the rich flavors beautifully.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the garlic butter sauce while cooking or use spicy poultry seasoning instead of regular seasoning.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! If using frozen chicken breasts, it’s best to thaw them completely beforehand for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. Its rich flavors and easy preparation make it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or sides—your family will love this delicious dish! Try making it today!
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 people 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This easy stovetop recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, with a splash of apple vinegar to enhance the flavor. In just 15 minutes, you can serve a dish that will impress your family and friends alike. Not only is this recipe simple to follow, but it also uses common pantry staples, making it an accessible choice for any home cook. Enjoy the versatility of Garlic Butter Chicken served over rice, pasta, or even in tacos. With its savory taste and family-friendly appeal, this dish is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 21 Salute seasoning or poultry seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- White apple vinegar or chicken broth
- Unsalted butter
- Minced garlic
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the pounded chicken breasts with seasoning, salt, and pepper; place them in the skillet.
- Sear without moving for about 5 minutes; flip and cook until fully cooked through.
- Remove chicken and let it rest on a plate.
- Deglaze the skillet with apple vinegar or broth, scraping up brown bits.
- Add butter and stir until melted; incorporate minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce.
- Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Pound chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Allow chicken to rest before serving to ensure juiciness.