Buttery Garlic Chicken

This easy Garlic Butter Chicken delivers juicy, tender chicken smothered in a creamy garlic butter sauce with a hint of wine for added depth! Ready in just 15 minutes on your stovetop, this simple chicken dish will quickly become your go-to dinner choice for crazy weeknights when you need something tasty without being stuck in the kitchen forever.

I threw this together last night when I hadn't planned anything for dinner, and my hubby immediately asked if we could eat it regularly. You just can't resist that garlic butter sauce!

Key Ingredients and Smart Shopping Advice

• Olive Oil: Helps create that golden outside on your chicken
• Chicken Breasts: Try to grab ones roughly the same thickness
• Butter: Go for unsalted so you can control how salty your dish turns out
• Fresh Garlic: Don't use the pre-minced stuff for best taste
• White Wine: Adds amazing flavor complexity (swap with chicken broth if needed)
• 21 Salute Seasoning: From Trader Joe's, or just use regular poultry seasoning instead

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Get Chicken Ready: Flatten chicken breasts to even thickness with a rolling pin or meat mallet. This makes the meat more tender by breaking down tough fibers and helps it cook evenly.
2. Add Flavor: Sprinkle kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and 21 Salute Seasoning (or whatever poultry seasoning you have) on both sides of the chicken.
3. Warm Your Pan: Pour olive oil into a big skillet and turn heat to medium-high. Wait until it's properly hot before adding chicken.
4. Cook One Side: Put your seasoned chicken in the hot pan and don't touch it for 5 minutes. Don't peek or move it around - that's how you get that nice brown crust.
5. Cook Other Side: Flip chicken over and let it cook another 5 minutes until fully done (it should reach 165°F inside).
6. Let Chicken Sit: Move chicken to a plate and let it rest. This keeps all those tasty juices inside the meat.
7. Make Pan Sauce: Pour white wine (or chicken broth) into the hot pan - careful, it'll bubble up! This pulls up all those yummy brown bits stuck to the bottom.
8. Create Buttery Sauce: Drop butter into the pan and let it melt completely while stirring. Add minced garlic and cook just until you can smell it, about 1 minute.
9. Mix Everything: Put the rested chicken back in the pan, turning to cover it in that garlic butter sauce. Spoon extra sauce over each piece.
10. Finish and Serve: Throw on some chopped fresh parsley if you want, and serve it up hot.

Pin it

I figured out these tricks after my first try didn't give me that gorgeous golden crust. You've gotta be patient!

Ideal Busy Night Dinner

This garlic butter chicken has gotten me through so many crazy evenings at home. When I'm exhausted after work and thinking about ordering food, I remember this dish only takes 15 minutes and dirties just one pan. You don't need fancy ingredients, yet the results taste amazing. It's so easy that anyone can nail this recipe, even if you're new to cooking.

Flexible Pairing Ideas

What's great about this chicken is how well it goes with practically anything. Pair it with some roasted veggies for a healthy meal, or ladle it over buttery noodles when you need comfort food. Any leftovers make awesome sandwiches or salad toppers tomorrow. My family absolutely loves it with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all that wonderful sauce.

Pin it

Tasty Wine Recommendations

Any dry white wine works great in this dish, but I really like using Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc since they add bright flavors that go perfectly with the garlic butter. Always cook with wine you'd actually drink - cooking just makes the flavors stronger, not weaker. If you don't want to use alcohol, try chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice to get that same tangy depth.

Easy Ways to Switch It Up

We keep this dish exciting by changing it a bit each time. Sometimes I toss in some sliced mushrooms before adding the wine for an earthy touch, or I throw in some cherry tomatoes that burst into the sauce. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter creates nice seasonal changes, and a bit of red pepper flakes gives it a gentle kick.

Pin it

Closing Thoughts

This garlic butter chicken has become one of my favorite meals when I want something that looks and tastes fancy but doesn't take much work. The rich, buttery sauce loaded with garlic and a touch of wine turns ordinary chicken breasts into something that seems way more complicated than it is. Nobody needs to know how quickly it comes together!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s in 21 Salute Seasoning?

It’s a no-salt spice mix from Trader Joe’s. Any poultry seasoning works instead.

→ Why pound the chicken first?

Making it evenly thick means every part cooks at the same speed and stays juicy.

→ Can I swap in chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs are tasty, just add a bit more time to cook.

→ Why leave the chicken alone while cooking?

Not stirring it lets the bottom get perfectly crispy and stops it from sticking.

→ What pairs well with this dish?

It’s amazing with rice, pasta, creamy mash, or roasted veggies.