Quick Garlic Butter Chicken

This simple Garlic Butter Chicken features tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of wine for extra flavor! This quick and easy stovetop chicken recipe is ready in just 15 minutes and will become a family favorite dinner option for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Last week, I made this for a last-minute dinner when I had nothing planned, and my husband asked if we could add it to our regular rotation. The garlic butter sauce is absolutely irresistible!

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Chicken Breasts: Look for ones that are similar in size for even cooking
• 21 Salute Seasoning: Trader Joe's blend, or substitute with poultry seasoning
• White Wine: Adds depth and complexity (chicken broth works too)
• Butter: Use unsalted to control the saltiness of the final dish
• Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic provides the best flavor
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection

Detailed Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This breaks down muscle fibers for tenderness and ensures even cooking.
2. Season Generously: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with 21 Salute Seasoning (or poultry seasoning), kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Heat the Skillet: Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is properly heated before adding chicken.
4. Sear the First Side: Place seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and let it cook undisturbed for 5 minutes. Resist the urge to move or check it - this allows a perfect golden crust to form.
5. Flip and Finish: Turn chicken over and cook for another 5 minutes on the second side until completely cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
6. Rest the Chicken: Remove chicken to a plate to rest. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum tenderness.
7. Deglaze the Pan: Add white wine (or chicken broth) to the hot skillet, being careful as it will bubble vigorously. This loosens all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
8. Create the Sauce: Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely, stirring continuously. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute.
9. Combine and Coat: Return rested chicken to the skillet, turning to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Spoon additional sauce over the top of each piece.
10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

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I learned the importance of these details after my first attempt resulted in chicken that didn't have that beautiful golden crust. Patience is key!

Perfect Weeknight Solution

This garlic butter chicken recipe has saved countless hectic evenings in my household. After long workdays when takeout tempts, I remember this dish requires just 15 minutes and one pan. The minimal ingredient list means no special shopping trips, while the impressive results belie its simplicity. Even kitchen novices can master this foolproof method.

Versatile Serving Options

The versatility of this chicken makes meal planning effortless. Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a low-carb option, or spoon over buttered pasta for comfort food perfection. Leftover chicken transforms into incredible sandwiches or salads the next day. My family particularly enjoys it with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of that heavenly sauce.

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Wine Selection Tips

While any dry white wine works beautifully in this recipe, I've found Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc offers bright notes that complement the garlic butter perfectly. Use something you'd actually drink – cooking concentrates flavors rather than eliminating them. For non-alcoholic options, chicken broth with a teaspoon of lemon juice provides comparable acidity and depth.

Simple Variations to Try

Customizing this foundational recipe keeps it exciting in our dinner rotation. Sometimes I add sliced mushrooms before deglazing for an earthy element, or toss in cherry tomatoes that burst into the sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary added to the butter create seasonal variations, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat.

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Final Thoughts

This garlic butter chicken has quickly become one of my go-to recipes when I need something impressive yet simple. The rich, buttery sauce with a hint of wine and plenty of garlic elevates basic chicken breasts into something that tastes like it took much more effort than it actually did. The fact that it's so simple to make is our little secret.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is 21 Salute Seasoning?

It's a Trader Joe's salt-free seasoning blend. Any poultry seasoning works as a substitute.

→ Why pound the chicken?

Even thickness ensures the chicken cooks evenly and prevents dry, overcooked spots.

→ Can I use chicken thighs?

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

→ Why does the recipe say not to move the chicken?

Letting it sear undisturbed creates a golden crust and prevents sticking.

→ What sides go well with this?

Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables complement the sauce well.