Description
Garlic butter chicken brings comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Tender chicken pieces bathed in rich, garlicky goodness make this simple recipe a total weeknight winner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
Fats:
- ½ cup butter
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sauteed spinach
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
Instructions
- Pat 4 chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. Generously season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Melt ¼ cup butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for exactly 90 seconds until fragrant.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into hot skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on first side until golden brown, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Flip chicken and cook opposite side for additional 6-7 minutes. Check that meat is completely white throughout and no pink remains.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Pour remaining ¼ cup butter and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice over chicken. Allow sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat. Let chicken rest for 3-4 minutes to redistribute internal juices and retain moisture.
- Transfer chicken to serving plate. Drizzle pan sauce over top and sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley for bright flavor and color.
Notes
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior when searing.
- Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor, and avoid burning it by sautéing briefly at medium-high heat.
- Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe, perfectly cooked meat.
- For a lower-fat version, swap butter with olive oil and use skinless chicken breasts, which will still deliver excellent taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-19 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 352 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg