Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

This garlic butter chicken recipe is a weeknight hero that delivers rich, savory flavor with bright garlic notes and a silky pan sauce. The chicken sears to a golden-brown crust while staying juicy inside, then finishes in a quick garlic butter and wine or broth sauce that smells irresistible. The texture is a pleasing contrast between a crisp exterior and tender, moist meat, and the sauce adds a glossy, buttery coating with just enough acidity from the wine or broth to keep the dish balanced. It is perfect for busy weeknights, simple dinners with friends, or anytime you want a comforting, restaurant-style plate without fuss. If you like buttery poultry, you might also enjoy a heartier pasta twist like cowboy butter chicken pasta that pairs buttery flavors with pasta for a fuller meal.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Explanation: Use evenly sized breasts so they cook at the same rate; trim excess fat if needed.
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
Explanation: Wine adds acidity and depth, while chicken broth is a nonalcoholic option that still deglazes the pan.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Explanation: Adds richness and creates the glossy garlic butter sauce.
1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
Explanation: Use 1 teaspoon for a lighter seasoning or 2 teaspoons for a bolder herbal profile.
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Explanation: Enhances overall flavor; adjust to taste if using low-sodium broth.
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Explanation: Freshly ground pepper gives brighter spice than preground.
3 tablespoons olive oil
Explanation: Used for searing to get a golden-brown crust without burning the butter.
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Explanation: Fresh garlic provides a bright, aromatic punch in the butter sauce.
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Explanation: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and color when sprinkled over the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Warm a skillet with the olive oil over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering. Tip: A stainless steel or cast-iron skillet works well for browning.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and coat them evenly with 21 Salute Seasoning, ensuring all surfaces are seasoned. Tip: Press the seasoning into the meat so it adheres during searing.
Place the seasoned chicken into the hot oil and sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden-brown. Do not move the chicken too soon so a good crust can form.
Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan and lift the browned bits into the liquid.
Lower the heat, add the butter and the minced garlic, and swirl the pan until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant but does not burn. Tip: Keep the heat low here to prevent garlic from turning bitter.
Let the chicken cook through until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 2 to 3 minutes after adding the butter and garlic. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken as it finishes cooking.
Optionally, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the chicken before serving for color and freshness.
Serve immediately, drizzling the remaining pan sauce over the chicken.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips: For even cooking, pound thicker ends of chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning. Keep the heat moderate when melting butter with garlic to avoid burning the garlic. Rest the chicken for 2 minutes off heat before serving to lock in juices.
Storage: Cool any leftovers, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning sauce over the chicken to keep it moist.
Freezing: Freeze cooled cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only: Use the full 2 teaspoons of 21 Salute Seasoning for a stronger herbal note, or swap white wine for chicken broth for a milder sauce. Finish with the parsley for a fresher finish.

Also try a slightly sweeter take by pairing the recipe with a related comfort dish like sweet savory honey butter chicken for inspiration on balancing buttery and sweet elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I sear the chicken to get a golden crust?
Sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side over medium-high heat until the exterior is golden-brown.
Can I use chicken broth instead of white wine?
Yes, chicken broth is a great nonalcoholic substitute and still deglazes the pan well.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The safe internal temperature is 165°F measured with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part.
Will the garlic burn when I add it to the butter?
Keep the heat low and swirl the pan; that prevents the garlic from burning while the butter melts.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can sear the chicken ahead and finish in the sauce just before serving to keep it fresh and juicy.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes. Store portions in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve texture.

Conclusion

This garlic butter chicken recipe is quick, comforting, and reliably delicious, making it a go-to for busy evenings when you want something special without extra fuss. If you enjoy the buttery pan sauce and aromatic garlic, you may find more inspiration in similar recipes like Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce!) | Don’t Go Bacon My Heart and Garlic Butter Chicken | Table for Two® by Julie Chiou. I hope you try this tonight and share how it turned out with friends or family for a warm, satisfying meal.