Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers delicious comfort with minimal ingredients and effort.

Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness, about 4 average-sized breasts)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup white wine* or chicken broth (or as necessary)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more if you want extra sauce)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced; or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pounded chicken breasts and season evenly with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes or until the underside is medium golden. For thicker chicken breasts, sear for 6 to 7 minutes.
- Step 2: Flip the chicken and cook the other side for about 5 minutes until fully cooked through. Avoid moving the chicken while it sears.
- Step 3: Remove the chicken from the skillet using a slotted spatula and place it on a plate to rest.
- Step 4: Carefully deglaze the skillet by adding the white wine or chicken broth. Allow the liquid to bubble and steam for a few seconds to lift flavor from the pan.
- Step 5: Add the butter to the skillet and stir continuously until melted, about 1 minute.
- Step 6: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 7: Turn off the heat. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the pieces to coat thoroughly.
- Step 8: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of butter or finish with a splash of heavy cream.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, chicken broth works perfectly instead of white wine.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to maintain the sauce’s texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper searing. Using frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking and excess moisture in the pan.
What if I don’t have 21 Salute seasoning?
You can substitute with poultry seasoning or a simple blend of dried thyme, rosemary, and sage to achieve a similar herbaceous flavor.
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce deglazed with white wine or chicken broth. It’s a quick, flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, garnished with fresh parsley for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness (about 4 average-sized breasts)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth (or as necessary)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more for extra sauce)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced (or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)
Instructions
- Cook: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pounded chicken breasts and season them evenly with 21 Salute seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to achieve a medium golden sear. For thicker or larger breasts, cook for 6-7 minutes.
- Flip: Carefully flip the chicken breasts over and cook on the second side for approximately 5 minutes, or until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Avoid moving the chicken while it cooks to allow proper searing.
- Rest: Using a slotted spatula, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest to retain juices.
- Deglaze: Return the skillet to the stove over medium heat. Add white wine or chicken broth carefully to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the liquid to bubble and steam vigorously for a few seconds.
- Melt: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and stir continuously until it melts completely, about 1 minute.
- Cook: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Combine: Turn off the heat. Return the rested chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them in the garlic butter sauce to coat thoroughly. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to ensure even coverage.
- Garnish: Optionally sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with chicken broth.
- Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Do not move the chicken while searing to develop a nice crust.
- You can increase butter quantity for a richer sauce.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice for a complete meal.
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, chicken breasts, skillet chicken, quick dinner, garlic sauce, easy chicken recipe

