Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and topped with a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with lemon and Italian herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
To Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika evenly to enhance the flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium, add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring the mixture to combine all flavors. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and thicken.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and dried Italian seasoning until the sauce is rich, smooth, and well integrated.
- Combine & Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the delicious flavors.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired. This adds freshness and a vibrant touch to the dish.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are patted dry before seasoning to get a nice sear.
- Adjust garlic amount according to your preference for stronger or milder flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best zing in the sauce.
- Serve this dish with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- If chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them slightly to even thickness for uniform cooking.
