Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken

by

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken

A Simple Yet Elegant Chicken Dish Bursting with Flavor

There’s nothing quite like a home-cooked chicken dinner that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen—but takes just minutes to make. This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is that kind of recipe: tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection and coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with fresh thyme and lemon.

It’s the ideal meal for busy evenings when you want something delicious, comforting, and effortless. The golden, pan-seared chicken soaks up the buttery sauce, creating layers of rich, savory flavor with a touch of brightness from lemon zest. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to enjoy every drop of the silky sauce—it’s that good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and simple: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Incredible flavor: Garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs blend perfectly into a restaurant-quality sauce.
  • Family-friendly: Mild yet flavorful, it’s loved by both kids and adults.
  • Versatile: Pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Choose evenly sized pieces so they cook evenly.
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • ½ tablespoon black pepper
  • ½ tablespoon garlic powder
  • ¼ tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps create a nice sear.
  • 1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness and flavor.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons butter – The base of the sauce; salted butter gives extra depth.
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic punch.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens the sauce into a smooth, glossy coating.
  • 1¾ cups chicken stock – Use low-sodium stock or homemade if possible.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
  • ½ tablespoon lemon zest – Adds brightness and a hint of tang.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the garlicky flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped – Earthy and aromatic; you can substitute rosemary if preferred.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – For a touch of freshness before serving.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown beautifully. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown—about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
When the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the same pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Sprinkle in the cornstarch and stir for another 30 seconds to form a light roux.

Whisk in the chicken stock gradually, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic powder. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce turns smooth and silky.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Stir in the fresh thyme, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Pat the chicken dry: This ensures a golden crust instead of steaming in moisture.
  • Avoid crowding the pan: Cook in batches if needed to maintain even browning.
  • Control the heat: Keep the pan at medium-high for searing, then lower it when making the sauce to avoid burning the garlic.
  • Check doneness: Always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F for juicy, fully cooked chicken.

Recipe Variations

  • Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully for a richer flavor.
  • Add a creamy touch: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream before adding the lemon zest for a velvety sauce.
  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for gentle heat.
  • Try other herbs: Substitute thyme with rosemary, basil, or parsley for a fresh twist.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken

Pair this irresistible dish with sides that complement its buttery sauce:

  • Fluffy rice pilaf or buttered white rice
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Sautéed green beans or broccoli
  • Roasted cauliflower or asparagus
  • Warm crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce

Storing and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may dry out the chicken.

You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 517 | Protein: 53g | Carbohydrates: 13g | Fat: 27g | Sodium: 2911mg

In Summary

This Garlic Butter Chicken is everything you want in a weeknight meal—quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of golden seared chicken and a buttery garlic sauce with lemon and herbs makes it feel indulgent while still being simple to prepare. Whether you serve it for a family dinner or a cozy date night at home, this dish is sure to impress every time.

 

Leave a Comment