Garlic Herb Butter Chicken: A Flavor-Packed Classic You’ll Crave

Few dishes strike the perfect balance between elegance and comfort like Garlic Herb Butter Chicken. Rich with aromatic herbs, golden butter, and tender chicken breast, this recipe elevates any dinner table—from a casual family meal to a cozy weekend treat.

Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this dish brings gourmet flavor with surprisingly simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Butter Chicken

• ✅ Incredibly flavorful: The garlic herb butter adds deep, rich notes to every bite.
• ✅ Simple ingredients: Most are pantry staples or easily found at your local store.
• ✅ Versatile: Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
• ✅ Meal-prep friendly: Make the garlic herb butter ahead for faster dinners during the week.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon herbs of choice (thyme, rosemary, or a mix)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, roughly chopped (about 1 clove)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons shallots, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste (omit if using salted butter)
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Chicken:

• 4 medium chicken breasts (or 2 large halved into cutlets, about 2 pounds)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 cup water, optional (if needed for moisture during cooking)
• ½ cup dry white wine (or substitute chicken broth)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, mix:

• Butter
• Parsley
• Herbs
• Garlic
• Garlic powder
• Shallots
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Mash and blend until fully combined. Set aside or chill in the fridge until ready to use. (Pro tip: Double the batch—it’s great on bread, vegetables, or steak.)

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
• Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

• Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
• Remove the chicken and set aside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).

Step 4: Cook with Wine & Butter

• In the same pan, add ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze, scraping up flavorful browned bits.
• Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
• Stir in all the garlic herb butter, letting it melt into a creamy sauce.
• Add chicken back to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and reduce heat to low.
• Cover and cook for 6–8 more minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
• Add up to 1 cup of water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Spoon extra sauce over the chicken.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and a crack of black pepper.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, roasted veggies, or pasta.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• 🥖 Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the herb-infused butter sauce.
• 🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A rich and creamy base for the chicken.
• 🥬 Sautéed Greens: Spinach or green beans balance the richness.
• 🍝 Angel Hair Pasta: Light noodles absorb the butter beautifully.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, though the cooking time will increase. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze this dish?

The chicken freezes well, but the butter sauce may separate slightly when reheated. Reheat slowly and stir well.

What herbs work best?

Parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives are excellent choices. Feel free to experiment.

Can I skip the wine?

Absolutely. Chicken broth is a perfect substitute and keeps the dish family-friendly.

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Final Thoughts

Garlic Herb Butter Chicken is the kind of recipe that turns a regular weeknight into something special. With rich butter, fresh herbs, and juicy chicken, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your kitchen rotation!