Greek Garlic Butter Chicken: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Greek Garlic Butter Chicken: Prepare to be transported to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish! Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, infused with the bright, zesty flavors of Greece. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

Greek cuisine is renowned for its simple yet vibrant ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. While the exact origins of Greek Garlic Butter Chicken are debated, its essence lies in the traditional Greek love for garlic, lemon, and olive oil – staples that have nourished generations. These ingredients, combined with the richness of butter, create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

What makes this dish so universally loved? It’s the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. The garlic butter sauce is undeniably decadent, yet the lemon and herbs keep it light and refreshing. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, making it a crowd-pleaser for even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or elegant weekend gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this Greek Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For Serving (Optional):
• Cooked rice, pasta, or quinoa
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Lemon wedges
• Chopped fresh parsley

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Take your 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized, 1-inch cubes. This will ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
3. Now for the flavor! Add the minced garlic (4 cloves), dried oregano (1 tablespoon), dried thyme (1 teaspoon), dried rosemary (1/2 teaspoon), red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon – if you like a little kick!), salt (1/2 teaspoon), and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) to the bowl.
4. Toss everything together really well, making sure the chicken is evenly coated with all those delicious herbs and spices. This is where the magic happens!
5. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or even better, for up to an hour in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so the chicken gets a good sear.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it back to the pan later to soak up all that amazing garlic butter sauce.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:

1. Now for the star of the show – the garlic butter sauce! In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (don’t worry about cleaning it; those browned bits add flavor!), melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic (6 cloves) to the melted butter and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Pour in the dry white wine (1/4 cup) and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the sauce to reduce slightly. This will intensify the flavor.
4. Add the chicken broth (1/4 cup) and lemon juice (2 tablespoons) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Season the sauce with salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon). Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
7. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon) and chopped fresh dill (1 tablespoon). These fresh herbs add a bright and vibrant flavor to the sauce.

Bringing it All Together:

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
2. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce. Make sure every piece is glistening with that delicious garlic butter goodness!
3. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve the Greek Garlic Butter Chicken immediately over cooked rice, pasta, or quinoa. These are all great options for soaking up that amazing sauce.
2. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, lemon wedges, and chopped fresh parsley. The feta adds a salty and tangy element, the lemon wedges provide a burst of freshness, and the parsley adds a pop of color.
3. For an extra touch, you can also serve it with a side of grilled vegetables or a Greek salad.
4. Enjoy! This Greek Garlic Butter Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade for a spicier dish.
• Add vegetables: Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, or zucchini in the skillet before adding the chicken for a more complete meal.
• Use different herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs, such as basil or mint, in the garlic butter sauce.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or Greek yogurt to the sauce for a richer and creamier texture.
• Serve it as an appetizer: Serve the chicken on skewers as an appetizer with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and the garlic butter sauce separately ahead of time and then combine them just before serving.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 400-500
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 10-20g (depending on serving with rice, pasta, or quinoa)

Why This Recipe Works:

This Greek Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a winner because it’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. The combination of garlic, herbs, and lemon creates a bright and zesty sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. The recipe is also adaptable to your preferences – you can adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or use different herbs to create your own unique version. Plus, it’s a relatively healthy meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Burning the garlic: Garlic burns easily, so be sure to keep the heat on medium and watch it carefully while it’s cooking. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
• Overcrowding the pan: Overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken will cause it to steam instead of sear. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Not using fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a bright and vibrant flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
• Skipping the lemon juice: The lemon juice adds a crucial element of acidity to the sauce, balancing out the richness of the butter and garlic. Don’t skip it!

Conclusion:

This Greek Garlic Butter Chicken isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen. From the tangy lemon and aromatic garlic to the rich, creamy butter sauce, every bite is a taste of the Mediterranean sunshine. I truly believe this will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation, and here’s why: it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price tag. Why is this a must-try? Because it’s the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to nail this recipe. The instructions are straightforward, and the results are consistently delicious. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this chicken is guaranteed to impress. The combination of the savory garlic butter sauce and the bright, zesty Greek flavors is simply irresistible. But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Pairing: Serve this Greek Garlic Butter Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. A side of steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli adds a healthy and vibrant touch. * Mediterranean Feast: For a truly authentic experience, pair it with a Greek salad, some warm pita bread, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. You can even add some grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. * Pasta Perfection: Toss the chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Linguine or fettuccine work particularly well. Add some chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch. * Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a healthy and satisfying low-carb meal. * Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little extra heat. * Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to customize the flavor to your liking. * Lemon Boost: Add a little extra lemon zest to the sauce for an even brighter and more citrusy flavor. * Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would pair beautifully with this dish. I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations and make it your own. Cooking should be fun and creative, so let your imagination run wild! And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any modifications? What did you think? Share your photos and comments on social media using #MyGreekChicken or tag me in your posts. I can’t wait to see your culinary creations and hear your feedback. Let’s spread the love for this incredible Greek Garlic Butter Chicken and inspire others to get cooking! Happy cooking, and bon appétit! Print