Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
This garlic butter chicken features tender chicken breasts cooked with a fabulous garlic butter sauce jazzed up with thyme and lemon. Yum!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 tablespoon kosher salt
½ tablespoon black pepper
½ tablespoon garlic powder
¼ tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons butter
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 ¾ cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Equipment
1 large skillet
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and arrange on a plate. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Flip the chicken over and sear the opposite side, continuing to cook until the chicken is golden and registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer the chicken to a platter and keep warm.
Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the pan.
Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Sprinkle in the cornstarch and cook for another 30 seconds.
Turn the heat to low, whisk in the chicken stock, and continue whisking until slightly thickened.
Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Finish the Dish:
Stir in the garlic powder and chopped thyme, then season with salt and pepper.
Return the chicken to the pan and cook on low for 5 minutes until the chicken is warmed through.
Serve:
Serve immediately, drizzling the garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken
Pat the Chicken Dry: This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents steaming.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Sear chicken in batches if needed to maintain a good sear.
Check Internal Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety and tenderness.
Variations and Substitutions
Use Chicken Thighs: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Adjust cooking times as necessary.
Add Spice: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the lemon juice and zest for a richer sauce.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For freezing, transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The Best Rice Pilaf
Sautéed Broccoli Rabe
Roasted Cauliflower
Garlic Parmesan Baked Asparagus
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 517
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 53g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 189mg
Sodium: 2911mg
Potassium: 1076mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Vitamin A: 656IU
Vitamin C: 12mg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 2mg
Enjoy your delicious garlic butter chicken, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family!