Garlic Butter Chicken
A cozy and quick meal perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender chicken in a rich garlic-butter sauce that pairs well with rice, pasta, or veggies.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast or chicken thighs (boneless is easiest) Can use thighs for juiciness.
- Salt Salt To taste.
- Black pepper Black pepper To taste.
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter divided.
- 5-6 cloves garlic minced. Yes, it sounds like a lot, it is perfect.
- 1 cup chicken broth Broth tastes best, but water can be used in a pinch.
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice Optional but brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried parsley
- A pinch of red pepper flakes Optional for spice.
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook without moving it too much.
- Cook for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through.
- Move the chicken to a plate. Lower the heat and add the remaining butter to the pan.
- Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan. Add Italian seasoning or parsley and red pepper flakes if using.
- Let the sauce bubble for 2 to 4 minutes to reduce slightly. Add lemon juice if using.
- Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Warm for another minute or two before serving.
Notes
Pat the chicken dry first to help it brown better. Don’t move the chicken too much at first to create a better golden crust. Lower the heat before adding the garlic to avoid bitterness. Scrape the pan well when adding the broth to incorporate all flavors.