Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken and a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, showcasing a burst of flavor with minimal effort. In just 15 minutes, you can create a dish that’s not only quick but also sure to impress your family and friends. The addition of apple vinegar enhances the sauce, making it a standout meal that you’ll want to serve again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This garlic butter chicken recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and apple vinegar creates a rich sauce that enhances the chicken perfectly.
• Versatile Dish: Serve this chicken with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal suitable for any occasion.
• Easy Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip this up without extra trips to the grocery store.
• Family-Friendly: This savory dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your garlic butter chicken, gather all necessary tools to streamline the process and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slotted spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding the chicken)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A good-quality skillet allows even cooking and easy flipping of the chicken.
• Slotted spatula: This tool helps remove the chicken from the skillet without excess liquid, keeping it juicy.
• Meat mallet or rolling pin: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking and tenderness.

Ingredients

🧄🧈🍗 Tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of apple vinegar for extra flavor! This EASY stovetop chicken recipe is ready in 15 minutes and will become a family FAVORITE!

For the Chicken

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness (4 average-sized breasts))

Seasonings

• 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup white apple vinegar or chicken broth (or as necessary)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more if you want extra sauce)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced; or to taste)
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

To a large skillet, add the olive oil. Place the pounded chicken in the skillet, ensuring it’s evenly seasoned with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes without disturbing it. After this time, flip the chicken over. It should have developed a medium golden color. For thicker chicken breasts, consider searing them for an additional minute or two.

Step 2: Cook Through

Allow the chicken to cook on this second side for about 5 minutes until it’s fully cooked through. Avoid moving it around during this time as well.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

Once cooked through, carefully remove the chicken using a slotted spatula and set it aside on a plate to rest.

Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet

With caution, add apple vinegar (or broth) into your hot skillet. Let it bubble up vigorously for several seconds while scraping off any bits stuck at the bottom.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Add in your unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely—this should take about one minute. Stir continuously until melted.

Step 6: Add Garlic

Once melted, add minced garlic into the skillet. Cook until fragrant—this should take about one minute while continuing to stir.

Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Turn off the heat and return your rested chicken back into the skillet. Flip it around in that delicious garlic butter sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated.

Step 8: Serve

Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately. Enjoy this mouthwatering garlic butter chicken as part of your next meal!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want a casual meal or something more elegant, here are some serving ideas to elevate your dining experience.

With Rice

• Serve your garlic butter chicken over fluffy white rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful.

On a Salad

• Slice the chicken and add it to a fresh garden salad. The garlic butter adds a rich taste that complements crisp greens beautifully.

In Tacos

• Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and fill warm tortillas for a tasty twist. Top with avocado and cilantro for extra flavor.

With Pasta

• Toss the chicken with your favorite pasta and additional garlic butter sauce. This makes for a comforting and hearty meal.

As a Sandwich

• Place the chicken on a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato. This creates a quick and satisfying lunch option.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve the ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken, follow these simple tips for perfect results every time.

• Use even thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.

• High heat searing: Start cooking at medium-high heat without moving the chicken. This helps create a nice golden crust while locking in moisture.

• Don’t skip resting: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking. This helps retain juices, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.

• Experiment with seasonings: Don’t hesitate to try different seasonings or herbs in addition to garlic for added depth of flavor in your sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Chicken can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A healthy choice that adds color and nutrients, lightly seasoned with lemon juice.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes blended with garlic make for a comforting side that complements the dish.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add sweetness and texture.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs offers a refreshing contrast.
5. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb side, serve garlic butter chicken over cauliflower rice for a satisfying alternative.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the chicken.
7. Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is ideal for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce on your plate.
8. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw gives a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Not pounding the chicken: Failing to pound the chicken breasts can lead to uneven cooking. Always flatten the chicken to ensure even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too much chicken at once can lower the pan’s temperature, resulting in steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary for that perfect golden crust.
• Skipping the resting period: Cutting into the chicken right after cooking will cause juices to escape, making it dry. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• Ignoring seasoning: Underseasoning can lead to bland chicken. Be generous with your seasonings and taste as you go for maximum flavor.
• Rushing the deglazing process: Not allowing enough time for the vinegar or broth to bubble can result in a less flavorful sauce. Allow it to cook down properly for depth of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Place cooled garlic butter chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a lid, and heat in short intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Chicken.

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish made with juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, often enhanced with vinegar for depth.

How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken healthier?

To make this dish healthier, consider using skinless chicken thighs or substituting olive oil with a lower-calorie cooking spray while maintaining flavor with herbs and spices.

Can I customize this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during cooking or switch up seasonings according to your taste preferences.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile option for any meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is an easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. Its savory flavors and tender texture make it a family favorite that you can easily customize. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!