Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet super simple to whip up, then you’ve got to try my garlic butter chicken! This recipe has quickly become a weeknight favorite in my home. Just imagine juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that’s so aromatic you can practically taste it before it even hits the table. And the best part? It’s ready in about 40 minutes! Trust me, this dish not only makes your kitchen smell divine, but it also delivers a plateful of satisfaction that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Let’s dive into the magic of garlic butter chicken!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken
Alright, let’s get cooking! This garlic butter chicken is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro by the end. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on your table in no time!
Preheating the Oven
First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that golden, crispy exterior while staying juicy inside. So, go ahead and get that heat going!
Melting the Butter
Next, grab a skillet and melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. As it melts, the aroma fills the kitchen and sets the stage for all that garlic goodness to come. Make sure the butter doesn’t brown too much; we want it melted and creamy, not nutty!
Sautéing the Garlic
Once the butter is melted, it’s time to add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté that for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but be careful—garlic can burn quickly, and we don’t want that bitter taste ruining our dish!
Seasoning the Chicken
While the garlic is working its magic, season your 4 chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Don’t skip this step! Seasoning adds flavor right to the meat, making each bite delicious. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Cooking the Chicken
Now, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice sear, which locks in all those juicy flavors. It should be golden brown and absolutely mouthwatering!
Baking the Chicken
Once your chicken is seared, transfer it to a baking dish. Pour that heavenly garlic butter from the skillet all over the chicken. This is where the magic happens! Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Garnishing and Serving
Finally, when it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness before serving. You’re now ready to enjoy a plateful of garlic butter chicken that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—your dinner will be on the table in just 40 minutes!
- Flavor-packed with rich garlic butter that elevates the chicken to a whole new level.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
- Versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or steamed veggies.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great meal prep option.
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic butter chicken turns out absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips that I’ve picked up along the way:
- Season generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! It’s the simplest way to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor. You can always adjust to your taste, but starting with a good base is key.
- Check for doneness: To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, just cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check for any pinkness.
- Let it rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the butter for a twist! Rosemary, thyme, or even some red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick.
- Perfect pairings: Serve it with a side of buttery rice or roasted veggies to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. It’s a match made in heaven!
With these tips, I promise you’ll be well on your way to mastering this dish and impressing everyone at the dinner table!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this garlic butter chicken! While I always believe in enjoying delicious food, it’s good to know what you’re putting on your plate. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (that’s one chicken breast):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy your meal without guilt, knowing you’re treating yourself to something both tasty and nourishing!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this delightful garlic butter chicken? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up while you whip up this recipe.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and will add even more flavor and juiciness to your dish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they might need a few extra minutes.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No problem at all! If you’re out of fresh parsley, you can use dried herbs or even skip it entirely. Alternatively, fresh basil or thyme would also make a lovely garnish!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great reheated! Just pop it in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Can I freeze garlic butter chicken?
Yes, you can! It freezes wonderfully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers while baking. They’ll soak up all that amazing garlic butter flavor and make for a complete meal!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken: 40 Minutes to Pure Deliciousness
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful garlic butter chicken recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish.
- Pour garlic butter over the chicken.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, chicken recipe, easy chicken dish
