Garlic Butter Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced To start, you need chicken breasts. These are the star of the dish. Choose fresh ones for the best flavor. Next, unsalted butter adds richness. It helps create a lovely garlic butter sauce. Finally, minced garlic gives the dish its name. Fresh garlic is key for that amazing taste. - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 lemon, juiced and zest grated Fresh thyme and rosemary add a nice herbal note. They work well with the garlic flavor. Don’t forget to use salt and pepper for seasoning. A squeeze of lemon juice and its zest brightens the dish. It gives a fresh and zesty kick. - 1/4 cup chicken broth - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Chicken broth helps keep the chicken moist. It adds depth to the sauce. Finally, fresh parsley adds color and freshness when you serve the dish. It makes everything look more appealing. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly. 2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. 3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. This adds great flavor. 4. In a large ovenproof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. 5. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear for 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden color. 6. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. 1. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. 2. Let it melt, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should smell great. 3. Add the thyme, rosemary, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth to the skillet. 4. Bring the mixture to a simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. 1. Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon some garlic butter sauce over each piece. 2. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. 3. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it's cooked properly. 4. Once done, take it out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. 5. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your meal! To make your Garlic Butter Chicken even tastier, try adding a few extra herbs. You can use fresh oregano or basil for a unique twist. Both herbs pair well with garlic. I also suggest marinating the chicken. A simple mix of lemon juice and your chosen herbs will add depth. Marinating for at least 30 minutes makes a big difference in flavor. For the best searing, use a hot skillet. Make sure the butter is bubbling before adding the chicken. Sear each side for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown. This helps lock in the juices. To ensure the chicken cooks perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Resting the chicken for a few minutes after cooking helps keep it juicy. Pair your Garlic Butter Chicken with easy side dishes. Steamed vegetables or fluffy mashed potatoes work great. For a restaurant-style look, plate the chicken with a drizzle of garlic butter sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch. You can also serve it with a wedge of lemon for a fresh pop. This makes your meal look and taste amazing! Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juices and ensure a tender bite. Use Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, use fresh herbs instead of dried when possible. They provide a vibrant taste that enhances the dish. Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Customize the Sauce: Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_2}} You can make garlic butter chicken healthier with simple swaps. Use olive oil instead of butter. Olive oil adds a nice flavor and is better for your heart. You can also swap chicken for turkey or tofu. Turkey keeps the dish lean, while tofu makes it plant-based. Both options taste great and fit well in the recipe. Want to change up the flavors? Add different spices or sauces to the garlic butter. Try paprika for a smoky kick or chili flakes for some heat. You can also mix in some soy sauce or honey for a sweet twist. Another fun idea is to add vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, to the garlic butter. They will cook with the chicken and add color and nutrients. How about an international flair? For an Asian-inspired twist, use soy sauce and sesame oil instead of butter. You can also add green onions and ginger for fresh flavors. If you prefer a Mediterranean style, mix in olives and feta cheese. This combo gives the dish a salty and creamy touch that is hard to resist. These twists make garlic butter chicken fun and exciting! To store leftovers, place the garlic butter chicken in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken is cool before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. The shelf life in the refrigerator is about 3 to 4 days. Enjoy the great taste even after a day or two! You can freeze garlic butter chicken for longer storage. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet. Add a splash of chicken broth for extra moisture. Make garlic butter chicken in advance for your weekly meals. Cook a batch on Sunday for easy lunches or dinners. Store in separate containers for each meal. Best practice is to keep the sauce separate until you heat it up. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. First, thaw the chicken safely. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you need it fast, you can use cold water. Place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. This method takes about 1 to 2 hours. Once thawed, you can cook it as you normally would. Just remember, cooking time may increase. Use a meat thermometer for best results. If you do not like garlic, try using shallots. They have a milder taste and still add flavor. You can also use garlic powder as a substitute. Use half the amount of powder as you would fresh garlic. For those who love garlic, try adding roasted garlic. It gives a sweet and rich taste. Another option is to mix in some herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor. To check if the chicken is done, look for its internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. A meat thermometer is the best tool for this. If you don’t have one, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. The meat should also feel firm and not rubbery. These signs help ensure your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple and tasty dish. You learned how to prepare the chicken, make the sauce, and bake it perfectly. Don't forget tips for enhancing flavor and serving ideas. You can also explore healthy options and international twists to keep it exciting. With this recipe, you can impress anyone at dinner. Enjoy cooking, and have fun experimenting with your own flavors!$

Garlic Butter Chicken

A delicious chicken dish cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with herbs and lemon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
to taste salt and pepper
1 piece lemon, juiced and zest grated
0.25 cup chicken broth
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
In a large ovenproof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the thyme, rosemary, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 2-3 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the garlic butter mixture over each piece. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Keyword butter, chicken, easy, garlic, herbs