Garlic Butter Chicken

Posted by by Sara 1 year Ago 324 Views

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (divided)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
  • Juice of half a lemon (optional, for extra zing)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help achieve a nice sear. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

  1. Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. Melt the butter: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
  2. Deglaze the pan: Add the chicken broth (or white wine) to the pan, scraping up any bits left from cooking the chicken. This will add flavor to the sauce.
  3. Season the sauce: Stir in the lemon juice (if using) and dried parsley. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

  1. Return the chicken: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to soak up the flavors and heat through.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is well-coated in the garlic butter sauce, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables!

Tips:

  • Make it creamy: For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce.
  • Chicken thighs: If using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, the cooking time will be slightly longer (about 8-10 minutes per side).
  • Side suggestion: This garlic butter chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a side salad.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 Chicken Breast):

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 40g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 1g