Introduction
Butter Garlic Chicken is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It is creamy, flavorful, and packed with the rich taste of butter combined with the boldness of garlic. This recipe is loved by many because it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity.
Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this dish is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The tender chicken soaked in a buttery garlic sauce creates a wonderful texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
What makes this dish even better is how versatile it is. You can make it in less than 30 minutes on a busy weeknight or dress it up with some fresh herbs and sides for a special occasion.
Its popularity is well deserved because it offers comfort food vibes with a gourmet twist. If you want a meal that feels fancy but is actually simple to prepare, butter garlic chicken is the perfect choice.
In this article, you will find everything you need to make this delicious dish, including a complete ingredients list with calorie counts, detailed step-by-step instructions, tips to customize it, and ideas for serving.
By the end, you will feel confident making this restaurant-style dish right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
The key to great butter garlic chicken is fresh ingredients and the right balance of flavors. For this recipe, you need simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
The chicken breast is lean and tender, making it ideal for soaking up the sauce. Butter and garlic form the heart of the dish, while heavy cream adds richness and a velvety texture.
Olive oil helps in cooking the chicken and adds a subtle fruity note. To brighten up the flavors, lemon juice is essential. A touch of salt and pepper enhances the taste, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.
Red chili flakes are optional but highly recommended if you want a hint of spice that cuts through the richness. Below is a table with all ingredients and approximate calorie counts so you can keep track of nutrition if you are mindful of your intake.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast (boneless, skinless) | 500 grams (1 lb) | 550 kcal |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons | 400 kcal |
| Garlic (minced) | 6 cloves | 30 kcal |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup | 200 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 kcal |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons | 2 kcal |
| Salt | to taste | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | to taste | 0 kcal |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | 4 kcal |
| Red chili flakes (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon | 4 kcal |
Read More: Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast for Dinner
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking butter garlic chicken is straightforward and does not require any complicated techniques. The first step is to prepare your chicken by patting it dry and seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. This will help the chicken develop a nice crust and enhance its flavor.
Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. The goal is to get a golden brown color on the outside while ensuring the inside is cooked through and juicy.
Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Using the same pan keeps all those tasty browned bits which add extra flavor to the sauce.
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter. When it melts, add minced garlic and sauté it just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic because it can turn bitter.
Now pour in the heavy cream along with the lemon juice and optional red chili flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything well and let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Then, place the chicken back into the pan and spoon the sauce over the pieces. Allow the chicken to warm through and soak up the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes.
The sauce should cling beautifully to the chicken by this point. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Your butter garlic chicken is ready to serve hot and enjoy.
Read More: Creamy Steak Bites Recipe
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this butter garlic chicken recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tailor it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
For example, if you want to add some extra vegetables, consider tossing in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the sauce-making stage. These will add nutrition and vibrant color to the dish.
You can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts if you prefer darker meat with more flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as thighs usually take a bit longer to cook.
If you like your food spicy, feel free to increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can also be great alternatives or additions to parsley, offering a different flavor profile.
For those who are dairy-free or vegan, swapping heavy cream with coconut milk and using plant-based butter can create a creamy and satisfying version of this dish.
This recipe lends itself well to experimentation, so do not hesitate to get creative.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your meal can help you make informed choices. This butter garlic chicken recipe serves about four people.
Each serving provides a good amount of protein, which is important for muscle health and overall energy. The fat content comes mainly from butter and heavy cream, contributing to the dish’s rich and satisfying texture.
Carbohydrates are very low, making this recipe suitable for low-carb or ketogenic diets. The addition of garlic not only boosts flavor but also offers antioxidants and other health benefits.
The calories per serving average around 355, making it a moderate calorie meal when paired with balanced sides.
Here is a quick breakdown per serving: approximately 38 grams of protein, 22 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbohydrates, and minimal sugars and fiber. Keep in mind these numbers can vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
Butter garlic chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides. For a classic combination, serve it with steamed jasmine or basmati rice. The rice soaks up the luscious sauce and creates a comforting plate.
Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes are another excellent choice that complement the buttery flavors perfectly.
If you want to keep it low-carb, opt for roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
Garlic butter naan or any crusty bread is ideal for mopping up the sauce and adding a bit of crunch.
For a fresher balance, a crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the dish.
If you are serving guests or want to elevate the meal, a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and chicken.
Read More: Creamy Rice and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Conclusion
Butter Garlic Chicken is a delicious, comforting meal that brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special.
Its creamy butter and garlic sauce combined with tender chicken makes it a go-to recipe for many home cooks. The process is easy to follow, and the result is a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated.
You can customize it easily to fit your taste or dietary needs and serve it alongside your favorite sides to make it a complete meal.
Whether you are cooking a casual dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe never fails to impress.
Give this butter garlic chicken a try and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that make it a beloved favorite in kitchens everywhere.