Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts seasoned with a fragrant blend of herbs and cooked to perfection in a skillet with a rich garlic butter sauce. Quick and flavorful, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, about 2 pounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, minced (about ¼ cup)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (5-6 cloves)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the 4 chicken breasts using a meat tenderizer until each is uniformly about 1.5 inches thick to ensure even cooking.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon parsley, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon basil, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Rub this dried herb mixture all over the chicken breasts for full flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook the other side similarly.
- Remove Chicken: Take the chicken breasts out of the skillet and set aside temporarily to prepare the sauce.
- Make Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, ¼ cup chicken broth, ¼ cup unsalted butter, and the minced shallot to the skillet. Sauté the shallot until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Then add 2 tablespoons minced garlic and continue sautéing for 2-3 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Reduce the heat to medium and place the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over each breast and continue to baste frequently while cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), flipping after 5 minutes to cook evenly.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the chicken breasts hot with the rich garlic butter sauce spooned generously over the top.
Notes
- Make sure to pound the chicken evenly to promote uniform cooking and prevent dryness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken for safety and optimal juiciness.
- If white wine vinegar is unavailable, lemon juice can be used as a substitute for a bright acidity.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- For a lower-fat version, reduce the butter amount or substitute with olive oil.