Garlic Butter Chicken

This easy-peasy Garlic Butter Chicken delivers juicy, flavorful meat swimming in a buttery garlic sauce with a dash of wine for extra punch! You can whip up this no-fuss stovetop meal in just 15 minutes, making it a go-to dinner choice for crazy-busy nights when you need something tasty but don't have forever to spend cooking.

I threw this together last week when dinner plans fell through, and my hubby immediately asked if we could eat it more often. That garlicky butter sauce is absolutely impossible to resist!

Key Ingredients and Smart Shopping Advice

• Olive Oil: Helps get that golden crust on your chicken
• Butter: Grab unsalted so you can control how salty your dish turns out
• Fresh Garlic: Don't substitute powder - fresh gives the best kick
• White Wine: Brings amazing flavor depth (or swap in chicken broth)
• Chicken Breasts: Try to pick ones about the same size so they cook evenly
• 21 Salute Seasoning: From Trader Joe's, but poultry seasoning works too

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Get the Chicken Ready: Flatten your chicken breasts to even thickness with a rolling pin or meat mallet. This makes them more tender and helps them cook at the same rate.
2. Add Flavor: Sprinkle both sides with your 21 Salute Seasoning (or poultry seasoning), plus some kosher salt and fresh black pepper.
3. Prep Your Pan: Pour olive oil into a big skillet and turn heat to medium-high. Wait until it's nice and hot before adding anything else.
4. Cook First Side: Drop your seasoned chicken into the hot pan and leave it alone for 5 minutes. Don't poke or move it - that's how you get that nice golden outside.
5. Cook Second Side: Flip the chicken over and let it cook another 5 minutes until it's done all the way through (it should hit 165°F inside).
6. Let It Sit: Move chicken to a plate and give it a little break. This keeps all those tasty juices inside where they belong.
7. Make It Saucy: Pour wine (or chicken broth) into the hot pan - careful, it'll bubble up! This gets all those yummy browned bits off the bottom.
8. Build Your Sauce: Toss butter into the pan and let it melt while you stir. Add your minced garlic and cook just until you can smell it, about a minute.
9. Bring It Together: Put the chicken back in the pan and flip it around in that garlic butter goodness. Spoon extra sauce over each piece.
10. Finish and Eat: Throw some chopped parsley on top if you want, then dig in while it's hot!

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I found out about these tricks after my first try ended up with chicken that looked pale and sad. Taking your time really makes all the difference!

Speedy Mealtime Answer

This garlic butter chicken has gotten me through so many crazy evenings at my house. When I'm tired after work and thinking about ordering food, I remember this only takes 15 minutes and dirties just one pan. You don't need fancy ingredients, and even total beginners can nail this simple method with amazing results.

Mix and Match Serving Ideas

You can pair this chicken with pretty much anything, making meal planning super easy. It's awesome with some roasted veggies for a healthy dinner, or try it over buttery noodles when you need comfort food. Got leftovers? They make incredible sandwiches or salads for lunch tomorrow. My family goes nuts when I serve it with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all that amazing sauce.

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Smart Wine Choices

You can use any dry white wine you have, but I've noticed Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc really makes the garlic butter pop with their bright flavor. Don't cook with something you wouldn't drink - cooking actually makes wine taste stronger, not weaker. Don't do alcohol? No problem - chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice works great too.

Easy Ways to Switch It Up

We keep this recipe exciting by changing little things each time. Sometimes I toss in sliced mushrooms before adding the wine for extra richness, or I throw in some cherry tomatoes that burst and mix with the sauce. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter creates totally different flavors each season, and a tiny bit of red pepper flakes gives it a gentle warmth.

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Wrapping Up

This garlic butter chicken has quickly become one of my favorite meals when I need to put something tasty but easy on the table. The smooth, buttery sauce packed with garlic and a hint of wine makes plain chicken breasts taste fancy and special. Nobody has to know it barely took any effort - that can be our secret.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s 21 Salute Seasoning?

It’s a no-salt spice mix from Trader Joe's. Any chicken seasoning will do as a swap.

→ Why flatten the chicken?

Making it evenly thick helps it cook without drying out.

→ Can chicken thighs be used?

Sure! Just allow a little extra cooking time for thighs.

→ Why leave the chicken alone when searing?

Keeping it still lets you get that nice crust and avoids sticking.

→ What sides pair with it?

Try mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for tasty options.