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This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners or whenever you crave something luscious and comforting without the fuss. Juicy chicken breasts get a beautiful golden crust from a seasoned flour dredge, then swim in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that is simultaneously velvety and brightened with fresh parsley and a splash of tangy lemon. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making this recipe one of those keepers you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four stages of preparing chicken. The first stage is a white round plate filled with white flour on a white marbled surface. The second stage shows a single raw chicken piece placed in the middle of the flour on the same white plate. The third stage shows four raw chicken pieces placed side by side in a black pan on the white marbled surface. The last stage shows four cooked golden-brown chicken pieces inside the same black pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the chicken provides tender protein, butter lends that irresistible richness, garlic infuses depth and aroma, and fresh parsley adds a sunshine-like pop of color and freshness. With these kitchen basics, you’re just minutes away from a mouthwatering meal.

Chicken Breasts (2 x 9oz/250g): Bring them close to room temperature for even cooking and juicy results.
Plain / All Purpose Flour (1/4 cup / 40g): Creates a light crust that locks in moisture and flavors.
Chicken Stock (1/2 cup / 120ml): The base for the sauce, adding savory depth and a bit of moisture.
Unsalted Butter (6 tbsp / 90g / 3.2oz): Divided into chunks, it’s the star of the sauce and the pan-fry fat for golden chicken.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic ensures that punchy, fragrant aroma we all adore.
Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, finely diced): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the sauce beautifully.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps achieve that perfect sear on the chicken without burning the butter.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Boosts the garlic flavor in the flour coating for extra savoriness.
Salt (1 tsp + more to taste): Essential for seasoning each layer of the dish.
Black Pepper (1/2 tsp + more to taste): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
Lemon (1, divided into 4 wedges): Fresh lemon wedges are perfect for squeezing over to add a fresh, zesty finishing touch.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will give the chicken a flavorful crust that seals in its juices. Mixing the garlic powder in the flour ensures that wonderful garlic taste surrounds each bite from the get-go.

Step 2: Butterfly and Dredge the Chicken

Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them through the center to make four even pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Then dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing gently so it sticks well. A light but thorough coating means a perfect golden crust when fried.

Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, until they’re delightfully golden and cooked through. The combination of butter and olive oil prevents burning while giving that rich, toasty flavor we crave.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Fry for 1-2 minutes until it just starts to brown, releasing its aroma. Pour in the chicken stock, gently scraping the pan with your wooden spoon to lift all those tasty caramelized bits. Add the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter in chunks and whisk as it melts, forming a slightly cloudy, silky sauce. Sprinkle in parsley and adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Finish Cooking and Serve

Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, then return the chicken to the pan. Spoon the sauce over each piece, allowing them to soak up all that buttery garlic goodness. Serve immediately with extra sauce drizzled over and a lemon wedge on the side to squeeze over just before eating for a bright finishing touch.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds a meal with three main layers: bright green asparagus spears at the bottom arranged in a neat bundle, a large golden-brown piece of fish coated with a green herb sauce sitting on top of the asparagus, and a portion of crispy roasted potato cubes with browned edges placed above the fish. A lemon wedge is tucked under the fish near the bottom of the plate. On the right side, a silver fork holds a bite-sized piece of the fish with visible herbs. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of green and fresh flavor. Lemon wedges aren’t just decorative—they bring lively brightness that perfectly balances the rich butter sauce. A final grind of black pepper right before serving will also add a subtle kick that ties it all together.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery pasta to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. For a lighter contrast, a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli works wonderfully, adding crunch and freshness alongside the rich main.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, arrange the chicken breasts on a large platter with sauce spooned generously over and scatter extra parsley and lemon wedges around. You can also portion the chicken on individual plates with a nest of herb-infused rice or roasted vegetables for a gorgeous and inviting presentation. Just seeing it will make mouths water!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover garlic butter chicken tastes fantastic the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain flavor and moisture, but gently reheat to avoid drying out the chicken.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to keep it longer. Place cooled chicken breasts and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, spooning the sauce over the chicken to keep it moist. Avoid high heat as it can toughen the chicken and cause the sauce to separate. Adding a splash of chicken stock or a little butter while reheating helps revive the sauce’s silky consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and have more flavor, though they will take a bit longer to cook. Adjust your cooking time accordingly and make sure the thighs are cooked through before serving.

What can I substitute for chicken stock?

If you don’t have chicken stock on hand, vegetable stock or even a bit of water with a pinch of salt can work. Just keep in mind that chicken stock adds richer flavor, so the dish might be a little less savory but still delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The flour used for dredging is all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, but expect the crust to have a slightly different texture.

Can I make the sauce without butter?

The butter is essential for that rich, silky texture and flavor in this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. However, if you want a lighter version, you could reduce the butter amount and replace some with olive oil, though it won’t be quite the same indulgent experience.

How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Butterflying the breasts helps them cook evenly and quickly, preventing drying out. Also, bringing the chicken to room temperature before cooking and not overcooking are key. Finishing the chicken simmering gently in the sauce locks in moisture for tender bites.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a hug in meal form—simple enough for busy nights but impressive enough to share with guests. Once you’ve experienced that savory, buttery garlic sauce paired with juicy chicken, it just might become your go-to. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen!

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