Quick Garlic Butter Chicken

This simple Garlic Butter Chicken delivers tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of wine for extra flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes, this quick and easy stovetop recipe will become a weeknight family favorite with minimal cleanup!

Last week, I made this for a last-minute dinner when I had nothing planned, and my family raved about it! The combination of butter, garlic, and a splash of wine creates a sauce so good you'll want to drizzle it over everything.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts - Choose similar-sized pieces for even cooking
• Butter - Use real butter for the best flavor, not margarine
• Fresh Garlic - Freshly minced provides much better flavor than jarred
• White Wine - Adds depth; chicken broth works as a non-alcoholic substitute
• 21 Salute Seasoning - Trader Joe's blend, or substitute with poultry seasoning
• Olive Oil - For searing the chicken at high heat
• Fresh Parsley - Optional garnish that adds color and fresh flavor

The magic happens when the butter melts into the pan with the garlic and wine, creating a silky, flavorful sauce that coats every bite of chicken.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag and pound to an even thickness, about ½-inch throughout. This ensures even cooking and tender meat by breaking down muscle fibers. Season both sides with 21 Salute Seasoning (or poultry seasoning), salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the First Side

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add seasoned chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes. Resist the urge to move them around - this is key for developing a golden crust.

Step 3: Cook the Second Side

Flip chicken over and cook for approximately 5 more minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Again, allow the chicken to cook undisturbed. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken.

Step 4: Rest the Chicken

Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest on a plate. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness.

Step 5: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the chicken rests, deglaze the pan with white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up all the flavorful browned bits. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking for about one minute until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the pan, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with plenty of sauce drizzled over the top.

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Perfect Weeknight Solution

This recipe saves countless dinners when time is short but quality matters. After long workdays, the fifteen-minute preparation provides restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques. The one-skillet approach minimizes cleanup, making it practical for busy households. Even kitchen novices can master this dish, building confidence through guaranteed success every time.

Nutritional Balance

Despite its indulgent flavor profile, this chicken dish can easily fit into a balanced meal plan. Lean protein from the chicken breast provides essential amino acids while keeping fat content reasonable. The modest amount of butter delivers rich flavor without excessive calories. Paired with steamed vegetables or a garden salad, it creates a well-rounded dinner.

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Flavor Variations

The versatile base recipe welcomes countless adaptations to prevent dinner boredom. Add capers and lemon for Mediterranean flair, or incorporate smoked paprika for Spanish influence. Mushrooms sautéed alongside the chicken absorb the sauce beautifully. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can replace parsley, while a splash of cream creates a richer finish.

Budget-Friendly Gourmet

This dish transforms affordable ingredients into a meal that tastes expensive. Chicken breasts frequently go on sale, and the remaining components are pantry staples with extended shelf life. The impressive results belie its economical nature, making it perfect for entertaining on a budget. One recipe can feed a family of four for under $15.

You Must Know

• Pound chicken to even thickness for best results
• Don't move the chicken while it's searing
• Use caution when deglazing the hot pan - the liquid will bubble vigorously
• The sauce won't thicken much - it's meant to be a light, buttery drizzle
• If your chicken is very thick, you may need to finish it in a 350°F oven

I learned the importance of properly pounding chicken after my first attempt resulted in overcooked edges and an undercooked center. Now I take the extra minute to pound the chicken evenly, and it makes all the difference.

Chef's Essential Tips

• For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes in a bit of olive oil and seasoning
• Use a stainless steel or cast iron pan for the best sear and fond development
• If your sauce reduces too much, add a splash more wine or broth
• For a slightly thicker sauce, whisk in a teaspoon of flour after deglazing
• Let the pan get properly hot before adding the chicken for the best sear

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This Garlic Butter Chicken has become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights when I need something delicious on the table fast. The simple preparation belies the incredible flavor - it tastes like you spent much longer in the kitchen than you actually did.

Final Tips

• Serve over pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce
• Double the sauce ingredients if you want extra for drizzling
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness
• Try with chicken thighs for even juicier results
• Leftovers (if any!) make excellent sandwiches the next day

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is 21 Salute Seasoning?

A salt-free Trader Joe's blend; substitute with poultry seasoning.

→ Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless thighs work well with slightly longer cooking time.

→ Do I need to use wine?

No, chicken broth works as a non-alcoholic substitute.

→ How do I know when chicken is done?

Internal temperature should reach 165°F or juices run clear.

→ What sides go well with this?

Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.