Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. Enhanced with lemon juice and Italian seasoning, this skillet-cooked dish is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika evenly to ensure a flavorful base.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare garlic butter sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, reducing it slightly and intensifying the flavor.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the dried Italian seasoning, mixing until the sauce turns smooth and glossy.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve immediately, offering lemon wedges on the side if desired for a bright, zesty finish.
Notes
- For best results, use chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute dried Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary if preferred.
- If you want a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream after adding the butter and seasoning.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to make the most of the flavorful sauce.
- Ensure the garlic is not overcooked to prevent bitterness in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
