Garlic Butter Chicken with Herbs

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If you’re looking for a decadent yet simple dish that is bursting with flavor yet easy enough for a weeknight meal, this ultimate garlic butter chicken recipe is it. Picture juicy chicken pieces seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. The aroma that fills your kitchen will make your mouth water before the first bite, and the taste will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

This dish marries simplicity with richness in the most comforting way possible. With the right balance of buttery goodness, garlicky fragrance, and herby freshness, it’s the perfect meal for cozy nights, special dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself to something a little extra!

Why you’ll love this Garlic Butter Chicken with herbs recipe…

Incredibly Flavorful: Combining butter, garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme creates a highly fragrant and rich sauce that balances perfectly with savory chicken.
Easy to Make: This Garlic butter chicken recipe doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up any night of the week.
Versatile: This can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or alongside veggies to make it a complete meal.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: The flavors in this dish are restaurant-worthy, but you can make it in under 30 minutes with minimal prep. No fancy cooking skills needed!
One-Pan Wonder: Everything is cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze—a big win for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need for this dish:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: You can use either skinless chicken breasts or skinless thighs for this recipe. I personally prefer chicken thighs because they have a higher fat content which gives them more flavor and makes them juicier and more forgiving to cook. If you’re worried about calories, use chicken breast.
Garlic: This is the star of the show! Fresh garlic gives the sauce its signature flavor. You’ll need several cloves for that perfect garlicky kick.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe, as it gives you more control over the salt level. The butter creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
White Wine or Chicken Broth: A little white wine (or chicken stock if you prefer non-alcoholic) helps deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce. It also balances out the richness of the butter.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme are the perfect herbs for this dish, adding an earthy, aromatic layer to the buttery sauce.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the sauce, balancing the flavors.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sear the chicken initially, giving it a lovely golden crust.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings like salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a lighter, gluten-free option.
Crusty Bread: Don’t let that sauce go to waste! A side of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve this dish alongside roasted veggies like carrots, broccoli, or asparagus for a complete meal.
Pasta: For a heartier option, toss some pasta in the garlic butter sauce and serve the chicken on top.

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips for Success

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure the pieces have enough space in the skillet. Overcrowding will result in steaming rather than browning, and you won’t get that beautiful golden crust.
Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs can be substituted, fresh herbs provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor. If you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, feel free to swap them for other herbs like sage or tarragon.
Keep an Eye on the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close watch while sautéing it in the butter. Once it turns golden and fragrant, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Deglaze for Maximum Flavor: Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pan with wine or broth. This lifts the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan, making your sauce even more delicious.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken can dry out if overcooked, so make sure to keep an eye on the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra butter or broth to loosen the sauce.

This dish also freezes well. Simply place the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Garlic Butter Chicken FAQs

Can I use skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option as they’re juicy and flavorful. Adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take longer to cook through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can sear the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, reheat the sauce, and finish cooking the chicken before serving.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute that adds depth and richness to the sauce.

This ultimate garlic butter chicken with herbs is a show-stopping dish that combines rich, buttery flavors with the brightness of fresh herbs and a touch of lemon.

It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you just want to elevate your everyday chicken into something extraordinary. Enjoy every garlicky, buttery bite!

Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken with Herbs

Why you’ll love this Garlic Butter Chicken with herbs recipe…

Ingredients You’ll Need