Nothing beats a comforting, flavorful dish like this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe that effortlessly blends juicy chicken breasts with a rich, garlicky butter sauce. It’s a true kitchen hero for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. Every bite bursts with savory goodness, making it one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes to share with friends and family.

A close-up of a white pan with three pieces of cooked chicken on the bottom layer, each piece golden brown with a slightly crispy texture and seasoned with black pepper and small bits of garlic, topped with small green parsley leaves scattered across them; the chicken sits in a shallow layer of glossy, rich brown sauce with visible oil droplets, all set against a white marbled surface; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and even a beautiful golden color on your chicken.

Olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect sear on the chicken, locking in moisture and flavor.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, pounded to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning: Adds herbs and spices that elevate the natural chicken flavor.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick and aromatic earthiness.
White wine or chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan, creating a delicate, flavorful sauce base.
Unsalted butter: The heart of the sauce, providing richness and a silky texture.
Garlic (finely minced): Infuses the sauce with its unmistakable pungent and aromatic character.
Fresh parsley (optional): Brings a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness as a garnish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This small but crucial step ensures they cook uniformly, so you get tender, juicy chicken every time. Then, generously season both sides with your 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper — these simple seasonings are what give the chicken that irresistible depth of flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the chicken breasts in the pan and let them sear without moving them for about 5 minutes. The aim here is to develop a beautiful golden crust that locks in juices — no peeking or shifting! Once golden, carefully flip and cook the other side until the chicken is cooked through, about another 5 minutes, depending on thickness.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute through the meat, resulting in a perfectly moist bite.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Back to the skillet—deglaze it with white wine or chicken broth by pouring it in and letting it bubble and steam for a few seconds. This step lifts all those wonderful browned bits off the bottom, adding incredible flavor to your sauce. Then stir in the butter, allowing it to melt completely and become smooth.

Step 5: Infuse the Sauce with Garlic

Add your finely minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about one minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not browned, as that would introduce bitterness. This fragrant garlic butter sauce is what brings that signature rich taste to this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Turn off the heat and return the chicken breasts to the skillet, gently spooning the garlic butter sauce over them. Let the chicken soak up those luscious flavors for a minute or two. If you want, sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a beautiful green pop but also introduces a mild herbaceous note that balances the richness of the butter sauce. For an extra touch, some lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe pairs amazingly with almost anything! Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or a crisp salad add freshness and color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of pasta tossed lightly in olive oil and garlic, allowing the sauce to mingle with the noodles. Alternatively, serve it family-style on a big platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for guests to help themselves. Presentation is all about celebrating that gorgeous garlic butter sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to save it longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Just place the chicken breasts along with the sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It’s best consumed within 2 months to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently to keep the chicken tender — warming it over low heat on the stove with a splash of water or broth helps revive the sauce, or use the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the meat. You could also add a pat of butter while reheating for extra richness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice and often stay juicier during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have white wine?

No worries — chicken broth works perfectly as a deglazing liquid and still creates a flavorful sauce, preserving the essence of this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but just double-check your seasoning blends and broth labels to be certain.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Garlic burns quickly if cooked too long at high heat. Cook it just for about one minute after adding it to the melted butter, stirring constantly and removing from heat immediately afterward.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It holds up well in the fridge and reheats nicely, so it’s an excellent option for make-ahead lunches or dinners during a busy week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together in just about 20 minutes, this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. The balance of crispy, tender chicken paired with a silky garlic butter sauce is a total crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a centerpiece on your dinner table again and again.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe