This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. Infused with garlic, butter, and a splash of white wine (or chicken broth), this dish is packed with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, this easy chicken recipe will satisfy your cravings for something savory and delicious. Serve it with your favorite sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables for a complete meal everyone will love.

Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (softened but not melted)
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2-2 ½ pounds)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or another neutral oil)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the avocado oil and swirl to coat the bottom evenly. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until golden on one side, then flip the chicken and sauté for another 4-5 minutes until fully cooked through and no longer pink. If needed, lower the heat, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is firm and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: Reduce the heat to low. Carefully pour the wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a spatula. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook until it has reduced by about half, leaving approximately ¼ cup of liquid in the skillet.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the prepared garlic butter mixture and chopped parsley (if using) to the skillet. Stir until the butter has melted completely and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them. Plate the chicken and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The rich garlic butter sauce infuses the chicken with a deep, savory flavor, while the crispy golden exterior of the chicken makes each bite irresistible. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a dinner party or holiday meal.
Tips
- Butter Consistency: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture in the sauce.
- Cooking the Chicken: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the chicken in batches.
- Wine Reduction: If you don’t have wine on hand, chicken broth is a great substitute. Be sure to reduce the liquid as instructed to concentrate the flavors.
Variations and Substitutions
- Herbs: Add other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for extra flavor in the sauce.
- Spice it Up: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture.
- Lemon Garlic Butter: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Chicken Variations: This recipe works well with chicken thighs or even boneless skinless chicken tenders if you prefer.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? It’s best to thaw frozen chicken breasts before cooking. If using frozen chicken, make sure to cook for a bit longer to ensure the meat is fully cooked through.
- Can I use a different oil? Yes, you can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or even butter instead of avocado oil.
- What can I serve this with? Garlic Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Serve this delicious garlic butter chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus for a complete meal.
- Salads: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a Caesar salad pairs perfectly to balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
- Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up the remaining garlic butter sauce on your plate!
Garlic Butter Chicken
4
servings15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
½ cup butter (softened but not melted)
½ tablespoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2-2 ½ pounds)
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or another neutral oil)
½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the avocado oil and swirl to coat the bottom evenly. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until golden on one side, then flip the chicken and sauté for another 4-5 minutes until fully cooked through and no longer pink. If needed, lower the heat, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is firm and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: Reduce the heat to low. Carefully pour the wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a spatula. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook until it has reduced by about half, leaving approximately ¼ cup of liquid in the skillet.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the prepared garlic butter mixture and chopped parsley (if using) to the skillet. Stir until the butter has melted completely and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them. Plate the chicken and serve immediately.
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