Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious, simple dish that’s perfect for beginners. With just a few ingredients and basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal right at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started, along with tips to avoid common mistakes and achieve the best results.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika (optional for color)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because moisture will prevent the chicken from getting a crispy, golden sear.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Make sure it’s evenly coated.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Place the chicken in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan – if it’s too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of sear. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on one side without moving it. This allows the chicken to form a golden crust.
- Flip the chicken using tongs or a spatula, and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it’s no longer pink.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the 4 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt, scraping any browned bits left from the chicken with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor!
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb all that flavorful sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a touch of brightness.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.
Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes:
- Not Drying the Chicken: If the chicken isn’t dry before searing, it will release moisture into the pan, causing it to steam instead of sear. Always pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking.
- Overcrowding the Pan: If you add too many pieces of chicken at once, the pan will cool down and the chicken won’t sear properly. Cook the chicken in batches if needed.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, especially when it’s minced. Stir the garlic constantly, and don’t let it cook for more than 1-2 minutes.
- Not Checking for Doneness: Chicken needs to be cooked through to a safe temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure, or cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it’s no longer pink.
Improving the Results:
- Add a splash of lemon juice: Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the chicken right before serving brightens up the rich butter sauce and adds a burst of freshness.
- Double the sauce: If you love garlic butter sauce, consider doubling the butter and garlic for extra richness to pour over rice, potatoes, or vegetables.
- Try adding a little white wine: After you’ve cooked the garlic and butter, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan. This creates a more complex sauce and gives the dish an extra layer of flavor.
Video
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables, a side of rice or pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli.