Enjoy the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with our Garlic Butter Chicken. This dish combines tender chicken with a zesty garlic butter sauce, enhanced by lemon and herbs. Perfectly paired with rice and veggies, it’s ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
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.
Notes
Here are my tips for crafting the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken in your kitchen:
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.