Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe: Flavor-Packed Dinner Joy

Succulent chicken meets its perfect match in this irresistible garlic butter chicken recipe that melts in your mouth.

Golden-brown edges gleam with rich, aromatic promise.

Butter swirls around tender meat, creating a luxurious coating that whispers pure comfort.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Herbs and garlic intermingle, casting a spell of pure culinary magic.

The simplicity of this dish belies its extraordinary taste profile.

Everything You Need For Garlic Butter Chicken

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal fat for best results.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that unlock the chicken's natural taste, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds depth and complexity, look for a mix with dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
  • Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that provides rich, intense flavor, select firm, unbruised cloves with no green sprouts.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty cheese that adds creamy richness, opt for freshly grated for superior melting and taste.
For Cooking and Sauce Base:
  • Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and subtle flavor, choose extra virgin for best quality.
  • Butter: Creates luxurious, velvety sauce and helps with browning, use unsalted for better control of salt levels.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth, select low-sodium version to manage overall saltiness.
  • White Wine (Optional): Introduces complex flavor notes, use dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers silky, luxurious texture to sauce, select high-fat content cream for optimal smoothness.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herbal notes, choose vibrant green leaves.

Cooking Tools For Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the sauce, preferably with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
  • Tongs: Perfect for flipping and handling chicken safely during cooking.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and seasonings.
  • Cutting board: For preparing and seasoning chicken.
  • Chef's knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
  • Paper towels: Used to pat chicken dry before seasoning.

Quick Guide To Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Quick Guide To Make Garlic Butter Chicken
  • Chicken Prep

Create a flavorful foundation by gently patting chicken breasts until surface moisture disappears. Season with salt and pepper, allowing the spices to embrace the meat’s natural texture.

  • Golden Searing

Warm a skillet with olive oil and butter, creating a perfect golden landscape for the chicken. Cook each side until a delicious caramel-like crust develops, transforming the meat into a culinary masterpiece.

  • Aromatic Garlic Symphony

Transform the same skillet into a fragrant playground. Melt butter and introduce minced garlic, releasing a heavenly aroma that whispers of comfort and indulgence. Splash chicken broth to capture all the delectable browned bits.

  • Creamy Enchantment

Introduce heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring gently to create a luxurious sauce that hugs the chicken with velvety elegance. Allow the ingredients to dance and blend into a harmonious melody of flavors.

  • Final Fusion

Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it bathe in the luscious sauce. Let the flavors intermingle and deepen, creating a dish that promises pure culinary joy.

  • Elegant Presentation

Sprinkle fresh parsley as a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately, inviting everyone to savor this comforting, restaurant-quality experience.

Extra Tips To Spice Up Garlic Butter Chicken

  • Moisture Magic: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy tenderness and prevents soggy results.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing perfect doneness without overcooking.
  • Sauce Salvation: If sauce appears too thin, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch or let it simmer longer to naturally thicken and concentrate flavors.
  • Low-Carb Love: Skip cream and use coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, keto-friendly version that maintains rich, creamy consistency.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a delectable allergen-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.

Serving Garlic Butter Chicken Made Easy

  • Comfort Meal Partner: Creamy mashed potatoes perfectly soak up the rich garlic butter sauce, creating a heavenly combination that warms your soul.
  • Veggie Companion: Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans provide a crisp, fresh contrast to the creamy chicken, balancing the dish's richness.
  • Carb Complement: Buttery garlic bread or fluffy rice work wonderfully to catch every drop of the luxurious sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: A crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio cuts through the creamy sauce, enhancing the garlic and chicken flavors with a refreshing touch.

Best Storage Tips For Garlic Butter Chicken

Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal the dish tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.

  • Quick Freezing Strategy: Separate chicken and sauce before freezing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve texture.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken in advance and portion into individual containers. Pack sauce separately to keep chicken crisp. Ideal for workday lunches or busy weeknight dinners.
  • Flavor Enhancement Technique: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Warm slowly over medium-low heat to prevent sauce separation and maintain rich, silky texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 476 kcal

Servings: 3

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Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Garlic butter chicken blends succulent poultry with rich, herbed butter sauce. Mediterranean flavors merge seamlessly, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can savor at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 4 tbsps (56 g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth or white wine
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season comprehensively with salt and pepper across all surfaces.
  2. Searing: Heat a large skillet over medium flame, introducing olive oil and butter. Carefully position seasoned chicken, developing a golden-brown crust by cooking each side until perfectly done. Remove chicken and set aside on a holding plate.
  3. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence. Deglaze pan with chicken broth, capturing concentrated flavor remnants from initial cooking process.
  4. Sauce Refinement: Whisk in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, creating a smooth, velvety consistency. Integrate Parmesan cheese until fully dissolved, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate flavor profile.
  5. Final Integration: Return chicken to the simmering sauce, ensuring complete coverage and allowing ingredients to meld and intensify flavors for several minutes.
  6. Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and plate alongside complementary side dishes that enhance the dish’s rich, creamy character.

Notes

  • Ensure Chicken Dryness: Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
  • Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium heat to create an even, golden crust without burning the butter or chicken surface.
  • Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy chicken.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping and create a smooth, silky sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 476
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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