If you’re looking for a succulent and easy-to-make meal, buttery garlic chicken breast is the perfect dish. The combination of rich butter and aromatic garlic will infuse the chicken with flavor, leaving you with a dish that’s both tender and delicious. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or cooking for a special occasion, this recipe will surely impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Buttery Garlic Chicken Breast
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients you’ll need for the buttery garlic chicken breast:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 5 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Buttery Garlic Chicken Breast
1. Preparing the Chicken Breasts
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the chicken sear properly and prevent it from steaming. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Searing the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sear them for about 6-7 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Making the Buttery Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute or until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
Next, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the skillet, which will give the sauce a slight tang. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any delicious chicken bits left behind. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will contribute to the richness of your sauce.
4. Combining Chicken with Garlic Sauce
Once the garlic has cooked and the sauce is fragrant, return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the buttery garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing it to soak up the garlic butter flavor. This step ensures the chicken becomes even more juicy and flavorful.
5. Garnishing and Serving
Once the chicken is coated in the buttery garlic sauce and fully cooked, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat. Serve the chicken breast with your choice of side dishes like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Perfect Buttery Garlic Chicken Breast
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in the garlic butter mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you want to make the dish creamier, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce, creating a luscious cream sauce for the chicken.
- For a crispy texture, consider finishing the chicken breasts under the broiler for a minute or two after adding the garlic butter sauce.
- Feel free to experiment by adding other herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist to the flavor profile.
Pairing Buttery Garlic Chicken Breast with Side Dishes
To make your meal even more satisfying, pair your buttery garlic chicken breast with these simple side dishes:
1. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to garlic chicken. The rich, buttery texture of mashed potatoes complements the chicken perfectly. You can even drizzle some of the leftover garlic butter sauce over the mashed potatoes for added flavor.
2. Steamed Vegetables
If you’re looking for a healthy and light side dish, steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots are a great option. Their subtle flavor balances the richness of the chicken, and they add a pop of color to your plate.
3. Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad with crispy romaine lettuce, croutons, and a tangy dressing is an excellent choice to pair with buttery garlic chicken. It provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
4. Garlic Bread
What better way to enjoy the garlic butter sauce than by soaking it up with garlic bread? It’s simple to make and a crowd-pleaser, making it the perfect companion to your chicken dish.
Why You’ll Love This Buttery Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
The buttery garlic chicken breast recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners when you want something comforting yet impressive. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
1. Quick and Easy
This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect choice for a busy evening. The simplicity of the ingredients and steps makes it an easy dish to whip up.
2. Full of Flavor
The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon juice creates a flavor-packed sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken breast. The savory and slightly tangy flavors will satisfy your taste buds.
3. Customizable
You can easily adjust the seasonings in this recipe to suit your preferences. Add more garlic for a stronger flavor, or throw in some herbs for extra aroma. It’s a flexible dish that can be personalized to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buttery Garlic Chicken Breast
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! You can use chicken thighs if you prefer. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making them a great substitute in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take longer to cook than breasts.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While buttery garlic chicken breast is best served fresh, you can make the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken.
3. Can I freeze leftover chicken?
Yes! If you have leftovers, you can freeze the cooked chicken breasts. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and then warm it up in the skillet with some extra garlic butter sauce.
Conclusion
The buttery garlic chicken breast recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that you can make in just a few simple steps. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you just want a meal that’s both delicious and comforting. With its rich garlic butter sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Check out this health guide on the benefits of garlic to learn more about why garlic is not just flavorful but healthy!”
If you love buttery chicken dishes, try our lemon herb grilled chicken recipe for another delicious meal