Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a rich, satisfying dinner that feels fancy but is super easy, you’re in the right place. This Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe is one of my go-to meals when I want something quick, delicious, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. It’s all about tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce—you’ll find it hard to resist licking your plate clean after this one!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward but they pack a punch together. Butter and garlic create that signature creamy sauce, while flour helps make it perfectly clingy to the chicken. Pro tip: Bring your chicken breasts close to room temp before cooking for even cooking and better texture.

• Chicken Breasts: I always butterfly them for faster, even cooking—and it makes portioning easier too.
• Plain / All Purpose Flour: This helps the garlic butter sauce thicken and stick wonderfully.
• Chicken Stock: Adds depth and richness to the sauce without overpowering the garlic.
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control seasoning; it’s the star for that silky, indulgent sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh and minced for maximum flavor impact—you’ll get that gorgeous aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish and adds fresh notes that balance the richness.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook your chicken to a perfect golden crust while adding subtle fruity undertones.
• Garlic Powder: This deepens the garlic flavor in the flour coating for extra garlicky goodness.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to make everything pop.
• Lemon: Just a squeeze at the end wakes up the flavors beautifully—don’t skip it!

Variations

I love how flexible this Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe is. Once you know the basics, you can personalize it to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand. I like to mix things up depending on the season or who I’m cooking for.

• Add a Kick: Once, I added a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce, and the subtle heat paired so well with the garlic — my family couldn’t get enough.
• Dairy-Free Swap: For a dairy-free twist, swap butter for a plant-based margarine or olive oil, and the chicken still gets beautifully golden and flavorful.
• Herb Boost: Try swapping fresh parsley for basil or thyme when you want to change up flavor profiles; it’s a great way to keep this dish feeling fresh.
• Make It Creamier: Stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese at the end if you want an ultra-luxe sauce.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Flour Your Chicken Breasts

First things first, butterfly your chicken breasts by slicing right through the center, turning two breasts into four even pieces. This helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly—trust me, it makes a big difference. Next, mix together your flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Press each chicken piece firmly into this mixture so they get a nice even coating — this step helps the sauce stick better and builds flavor in the crust.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a tablespoon of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pan. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color and no pink inside. If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to slice into one to check – learning to read color is key to perfectly cooked chicken here!

Step 3: Build Your Garlic Butter Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium, then toss in your minced garlic. Fry gently for 1-2 minutes until it just starts to brown—this unlocks that deep, toasty garlic flavor. Immediately pour in your chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan—they’re pure flavor gold. Then, add the remaining butter chunks bit by bit while whisking. You’ll notice the sauce turns a little cloudy and coats your spoon perfectly as it thickens.

Step 4: Bring It All Together and Serve

Stir in the chopped parsley and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer on low for a couple of minutes until it thickens just right. Nestle the chicken back into the pan, spoon over that divine sauce, then serve immediately. Don’t forget to squeeze over some fresh lemon juice to brighten the whole dish—it’s a total game changer!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe

Garnishes

I keep garnishes simple because the sauce does all the heavy lifting here! Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely pop of color and brightness. And a few lemon wedges on the side let everyone add as much zesty brightness as they like. Sometimes, a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving lifts the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this garlic butter chicken with light, simple sides like steamed green beans or a crisp mixed salad to balance the richness. Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice soak up every bit of that luscious sauce perfectly, turning every bite into a comfort fest.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve plated the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or roasted veggies, drizzled extra sauce over, and garnished with a few sprigs of thyme or basil. It’s a great way to impress guests with minimal effort. Serving it family-style on a big platter also sparks joy and encourages everyone to dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the chicken cool completely, then store it and the sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge. That way, the flavors stay locked in, and the chicken doesn’t dry out. It usually keeps well for up to 3 days without losing any of its magic.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked garlic butter chicken before with great success. Just be sure to wrap it tightly or use a freezer-safe container. When you thaw it overnight in the fridge, the sauce reabsorbs nicely and the chicken remains tender. I recommend freezing in individual portions so you can grab exactly what you need.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if the sauce gets too thick. Microwaving works too, but heating slowly on the stove keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce silky. Just be careful not to overheat or the chicken can dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe turns out every single time—juicy, flavorful, and quick enough to whip up on a busy night. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how simple ingredients could create something so rich and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try—I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorites too!

Print