Print

Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken
Print Recipe

When you’re in the mood for a dish that blends comfort food with a touch of gourmet flair, Garlic Butter Chicken is your go-to solution. This captivating recipe brings together the tantalizing aroma of garlic, the opulence of butter, and the tenderness of chicken to create a symphony of flavors that will surely titillate your taste buds. Whether you’re gathering family around the table on a cozy evening or aiming to elevate a weekday meal, this dish is a guaranteed favorite for all who partake.

Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts: 4 pieces, boneless and skinless, ensuring tender and juicy protein.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste, elevating and balancing the natural flavors.
  • Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon, for a subtle yet impactful smoky warmth.
  • Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, chosen for its rich flavor and frying capability.
  • Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, adding creamy, luxurious texture.
  • Garlic: 5 cloves, minced to release its pungent and aromatic sweetness.
  • Chicken Broth: 1 cup, providing depth and a savory base to the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, imparting freshness and tangy brightness.
  • Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, for an herbal and flavorful blend.
  • Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped to provide an aromatic garnish.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. This initial step is crucial as it lays the foundation of flavor that the rest of the dish will build upon.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side. They should achieve a golden-brown crust and be cooked all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, keeping them warm.

Step 3: Creating the Sauce

With the skillet still on medium heat, add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely before adding the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for roughly 1 minute until its fragrance fills the air, signaling that it’s time to move to the next step.

Step 4: Building Flavor with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, using a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck at the bottom of the skillet. These bits are what elevate the sauce to new heights. Stir in the Italian seasoning to enhance the aromatic profile.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors thoroughly, blending harmoniously. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Choosing the Right Chicken Breasts

It’s essential to select boneless and skinless chicken breasts for this recipe to ensure the proteins cook evenly and retain juiciness. You may consider pounding them to a uniform thickness for even cooking.

Understanding the Role of Butter

Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning. Butter not only enriches the sauce but also helps in browning the chicken, giving it that beautiful color and mouth-watering aroma that’s difficult to resist.

Lemon Juice: A Flavor Catalyst

The addition of lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter, adding a zing that accentuates the herbs and other flavors. It’s a small element that makes a world of difference, brightening and balancing the whole dish.

The Art of Searing

Searing at high heat forms a flavorful crust on the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause steaming rather than searing, which impacts flavor and texture.

The Importance of Resting

Allow the chicken to rest after searing; it ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, succulent meat. This step can make a major difference in the final outcome of the dish.

Find it online: https://chyachya.com/garlic-butter-chicken/