Try our Garlic Butter Chicken, a straightforward yet delightful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. Seasoned with classic Italian herbs, each bite delivers a comforting and hearty flavor, making it a perfect choice for any meal.
What You’ll Find On This Page
This dish not only tastes great but also looks appealing when served. It pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice and vibrant vegetable sides like roasted broccoli or asparagus, making your meal a complete and satisfying experience.
The best part? You can make this dish in under than 30 minutes in your kitchen. Customize it by adding a dash of soy for a different flavor or a little flour to thicken the sauce. This Garlic Butter Chicken is not just a meal, it's a go-to recipe that you'll want to make again and again.
Explore the Many Flavors of Garlic Butter:
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
Here's what you'll need for our Garlic Butter Chicken recipe. Most ingredients are easy to find, and a few are from Asian grocery stores. Let's check them out!
- Chicken: I usually go for breast pieces because they're lean, but thighs or wings are great for a juicier bite if that's what you're after.
- Olive Oil: This is my go-to for frying because it handles high heat well and doesn’t overpower the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Butter and Olive Oil: Start with olive oil to get that perfect golden sear on the chicken, then switch to butter to build a rich, delicious sauce.
- Hoisin and Soy Sauce: I love adding these for an extra umami kick—they’re optional but can really elevate the dish. Feel free to leave them out for a more classic flavor.
- Spices: A pinch of paprika, chili flakes, and black pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the dish. Adjust the quantity according to your heat preference.
- Chicken Broth: Incorporate it to enrich the sauce, lending a savory depth that complements the garlic butter beautifully.
- Ginger Garlic Paste and Fresh Garlic: Ginger garlic paste enhances the flavor and helps reduce the raw aroma of the chicken, while fresh garlic amplifies the dish’s signature taste. However, if you're looking for a quicker substitute for the paste, feel free to use ginger and garlic powder instead.
- Coriander Leaves (Cilantro): Use as a garnish to introduce a fresh, slightly citrusy note and a vibrant splash of green, enhancing both the flavor and appearance of the dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken at Home?
Let's dive into the flavors of Italy with my easy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe. Follow my step-by-step photos and video to make this tender, herb-infused dish effortlessly. We'll season and fry the chicken, make a rich garlic butter sauce, and then coat the chicken for the perfect finish. Ready? Let’s start cooking!
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Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken Breast, pounded and halved
- 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste, or, ginger and garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Pepper Powder
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 tsp Salted Butter
- 2 tsp Garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Lemon Juice
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- 1 tsp Hoisin, or oyster sauce, optional
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce, optional
- ½ cup Chicken Broth
- Cilantro, to garnish
Instructions
Pan-frying the Chicken breast
- Spread out the pounded and sliced chicken breast in a wide tray. Season with paprika, ginger garlic paste, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the marinated chicken breast pieces in the pan.
- Fry the chicken for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until each piece turns a golden brown color. Ensure the chicken is cooked through but remains juicy.
- Once the chicken is pan-fried to a perfect golden brown, remove the pieces from the pan and set them aside for later use.
Making Garlic Butter Chicken
- In the same pan used for frying the chicken, with the remaining oil, add butter and let it melt over medium heat. Then, add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes aromatic.
- Add chili flakes, hoisin or oyster sauce, and soy sauce to the pan. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and intensify.
- Add the previously fried chicken breast pieces back into the pan. Toss them in the sauce to coat thoroughly. Reduce heat to low and let the chicken simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped cilantro on top. Remove the pan from heat. Your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken is now ready to be served and enjoyed.
Serving
- Enjoy this juicy and tender Garlic Butter Chicken with a side of white or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal. For more pairing ideas, check out our Serving Suggestions section below.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- For Tender Chicken Breasts: Always make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. A quick sear in a hot pan really locks in those flavors.
- Customizable Garlic Butter Sauce: The recipe includes a slightly spicy garlic butter sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat. For a milder flavor, just reduce or omit the spicy ingredients.
- Enhancing the Sauce: Adding oyster and soy sauces is optional, but they bring a deeper umami flavor to the sauce that I really love. Give it a try and see how it transforms the dish!
- Salt: I've used salted butter in this recipe. If you choose to do the same, be mindful of how much additional salt you add, as the butter already contributes some saltiness.
- Lemon Zestiness: A splash of lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty twist. If you like a strong citrus flavor, adding finely grated lemon zest can really brighten up the dish.
- Creamy Sauce Option: If you're like me and love a creamier texture, you can whisk in a teaspoon of all-purpose flour during the sauce preparation. It thickens the sauce beautifully, giving it a luxurious, smooth consistency.
- Herb Choices: While coriander or cilantro are traditional, experimenting with other herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme can personalize the dish to your taste preferences. Each herb offers a unique flavor profile that can enhance the overall dish in different ways.
- Garlic Roasting Option: For an even deeper garlic flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the sauce. Roasted garlic is milder and sweeter, which can add a sophisticated twist to the overall flavor of the dish.
- Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring the chicken is juicy and flavorful when served.
- Flexible Cooking Methods: Although this dish is typically made on the stovetop, don't shy away from baking it in the oven. Baking can provide a more even heat distribution and free up your stovetop for other uses.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking for more? Explore our collection of chicken dinner recipes, featuring chicken breast and Italian favorites. Each dish offers easy-to-follow, delicious flavors, perfect for anyone who loves variety and the richness of Italian cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with both white and brown rice, and it's excellent with roasted vegetables. Serve it with options like green beans or brussels sprouts for a delicious and wholesome meal. Here are some more great options I like to pair with this dish:
- Pasta: Serve the chicken over spaghetti or angel hair pasta tossed lightly with olive oil or a bit of the garlic butter sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: These are great for soaking up the sauce and complement the chicken well.
- Couscous or Quinoa: For a lighter side, try couscous or quinoa. They’re quick to prepare and match the flavors of the dish nicely.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce, garlic bread adds a satisfying crunch to your meal.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can offer a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Polenta: For a gluten-free alternative to pasta, creamy polenta pairs well with the saucy chicken, making for a comforting side.
Storage Suggestions
To keep this Garlic Butter Chicken fresh, store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to three days. However, for the best flavor and taste, I recommend enjoying it as fresh as possible.
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