Garlic Butter Chicken Breast: The Ultimate Recipe for Flavorful Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Breast: Just the name alone conjures up images of succulent, juicy chicken bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce, doesn’t it? I’m thrilled to share this incredibly easy and utterly delicious recipe with you. Forget dry, boring chicken dinners! This method guarantees a tender, flavorful chicken breast every single time.

While the exact origins of garlic butter sauce are difficult to pinpoint, the combination of garlic and butter has been a culinary staple for centuries across various cultures. From classic French cuisine to Italian-American favorites, this dynamic duo elevates simple dishes to gourmet status. It’s no wonder that pairing it with chicken, a universally loved protein, creates a truly irresistible meal.

What makes this Garlic Butter Chicken Breast recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. The garlic butter sauce, infused with herbs and spices, creates a symphony of tastes that tantalizes the taste buds. People adore this dish because it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. The chicken remains incredibly moist and tender, and the sauce is perfect for spooning over rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters! Get ready to experience chicken like never before!

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced (fresh is best!)
• Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Optional Garnish: Lemon wedges, extra parsley

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap (I like to use a large freezer bag, cut open). Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps it cook evenly and quickly. Don’t overdo it, you don’t want to tear the chicken!
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure to get every nook and cranny!

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter and Olive Oil: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron, but any oven-safe skillet will do) over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. The olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Keep stirring it around to prevent burning.
3. Add the Lemon Juice and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using). The lemon juice adds a nice brightness to the sauce, and the red pepper flakes give it a little kick.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This will create a richer, more flavorful sauce.
5. Stir in the Parsley: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Sear the Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. You want to get a nice crust on the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
2. Bake the Chicken (Optional): If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, or if you want to ensure they are cooked through, you can transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish.
3. Continue Cooking on Stovetop (Alternative): If you don’t want to bake the chicken, you can continue cooking it on the stovetop. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure to flip the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Baste the Chicken: While the chicken is cooking, spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken breasts frequently. This will keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

Serving:

1. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
2. Serve and Garnish: Serve the garlic butter chicken breasts immediately. Spoon the remaining garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables to the skillet along with the chicken. Some good options include asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers. Add them to the skillet a few minutes before the chicken is done, so they have time to cook through.
• Use Different Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning would all be delicious in this dish.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking.
• Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy, savory flavor.
• Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic butter sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can even marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.
• Serve with Sides: This garlic butter chicken breast is delicious served with a variety of sides, such as rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with this dish.
• Storage: Leftover garlic butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Freezing: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but it will still be delicious.
• Spice it up: If you like things spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Detailed Explanation of Key Steps:

Pounding the Chicken:

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking. If the chicken is thicker in some areas than others, it will cook unevenly, resulting in some parts being overcooked and dry while others are undercooked. Pounding the chicken also tenderizes it, making it more enjoyable to eat. I find that using a meat mallet works best, but a rolling pin or even the bottom of a heavy skillet can also be used. Just be careful not to tear the chicken.

Searing the Chicken:

Searing the chicken creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that adds flavor and texture to the dish. It also helps to seal in the juices, keeping the chicken moist and tender. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of sear. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.

Basting the Chicken:

Basting the chicken with the garlic butter sauce while it’s cooking is essential for keeping it moist and flavorful. The sauce will penetrate the chicken, infusing it with the delicious garlic butter flavor. Use a spoon to drizzle the sauce over the chicken every few minutes.

Checking for Doneness:

The best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, making sure not to touch any bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the chicken to check for doneness. The juices should run clear, and the chicken should be opaque throughout.

Resting the Chicken:

Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast. Cover the chicken loosely with foil while it’s resting to keep it warm.

Troubleshooting:

Chicken is Dry:

If your chicken is dry, it’s likely that it was overcooked. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and don’t overcook the chicken. Basting the chicken with the garlic butter sauce while it’s cooking will also help to keep it moist.

Garlic

Conclusion:

This Garlic Butter Chicken Breast recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen to the juicy, perfectly cooked chicken that melts in your mouth, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. I’ve made it countless times, and it never fails to impress. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the incredible depth of flavor makes it a true winner. But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s all about the perfect balance. The garlic butter sauce, infused with herbs and a touch of lemon, creates a symphony of savory goodness that complements the chicken beautifully. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Looking for serving suggestions? I’ve got you covered! For a classic pairing, serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Breast over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side dish. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some variations? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a touch of heat. Or, incorporate some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of Mediterranean flavor. You could even try using bone-in chicken thighs for an even richer and more flavorful dish. Another great option is to deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after searing the chicken, adding another layer of complexity to the sauce. For a creamy twist, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end. The possibilities are endless! Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly fancy name; this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. I’ve broken down each step to ensure success, and I’m confident that you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a delicious and impressive meal. I truly believe that this Garlic Butter Chicken Breast recipe is a game-changer. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a weeknight savior, and a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of garlic butter chicken! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking! Print