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This Garlic Herb Butter Chicken is juicy and packed with flavor. The butter makes the chicken extra tender, while garlic and herbs add a tasty twist. Yum!
Honestly, who can resist buttery chicken? I always find myself going back for seconds—it’s just that good! 🤤
I love serving this dish with some roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. It’s a perfect meal for any night, and cleanup is a breeze too!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. They cook quickly and remain juicy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs, or for a vegetarian alternative, try firm tofu or seitan, seasoned the same way.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the seasoning. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half the butter with olive oil or use a dairy-free butter to accommodate vegan diets.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor of the dish. Powdered garlic works in a pinch, but I recommend fresh for the best taste. Roasted garlic adds a sweet twist if you prefer a milder flavor.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary give a beautiful aroma. If fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried versions, but reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more potent.
How Do I Get Perfectly Sear Chicken?
Searing chicken properly creates a delicious golden crust, locking in moisture. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this helps achieve that lovely sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Leave space between the pieces to let them brown nicely.
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes before flipping; this ensures a good crust forms.
- Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer—165°F is the magic number!
Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Herb Butter Chicken comes together in about 30 minutes! It’s a quick prep of about 10 minutes, followed by cooking time of around 20 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
First things first! Let’s season those chicken breasts. Sprinkle a good amount of salt, pepper, and onion powder all over them. This is where the flavor begins, so don’t be shy.
Next, grab a large skillet and heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to turn a lovely golden brown and be fully cooked through — an internal temperature of 165°F is ideal. When they’re done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set them aside for now.
Now, we’re in for a treat! Lower the heat to medium and toss that wonderful unsalted butter into the same skillet. Let it melt—it’ll pick up all those delicious bits left behind from the chicken. Once it’s melted, add in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling heavenly!
To really elevate this dish, pour in the chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up any of those tasty brown bits that have stuck to the bottom. This is what adds depth to your sauce. Next, we’ll stir in the heavy cream and all those fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, and rosemary). If you’re using dried herbs, that’s perfectly fine too—just reduce the amount a little. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
Return the chicken to the skillet and make sure to spoon that gorgeous sauce all over the top. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes, allowing all those amazing flavors to meld together beautifully.
When it’s ready, serve up your Garlic Herb Butter Chicken hot, drizzled generously with that creamy garlic herb sauce. Feel free to garnish with a little extra fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your marvelous creation—you deserve it!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in pieces may take an additional 10-15 minutes to cook through, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You might also want to cover the skillet for more even cooking.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that this might result in a thinner sauce. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute to achieve a similar richness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or broccoli can enhance the dish. Just sauté them alongside the garlic before adding the chicken broth, or toss them into the sauce after returning the chicken to the skillet for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
