Buttery Garlic Chicken

This easy Garlic Butter Chicken delivers juicy, flavorful meat swimming in a creamy garlic butter mixture with a dash of wine for added richness! You can whip up this no-fuss stovetop chicken in only 15 minutes, making it a hit with families looking for tasty meals on busy nights when you can't spend forever cooking but still want something yummy.

I threw this together for dinner last week when I was totally unprepared, and my husband immediately asked if we could eat it more often. You won't believe how addictive the garlic butter sauce is!

Key Ingredients and Smart Shopping Advice

• Chicken Breasts: Pick ones with matching thickness so they cook evenly
• 21 Salute Seasoning: Found at Trader Joe's, but poultry seasoning works fine too
• White Wine: Brings extra flavor layers (or swap in chicken broth)
• Butter: Go for unsalted so you can control the salt level
• Fresh Garlic: Don't use jarred - fresh gives way better taste
• Olive Oil: Helps get that beautiful golden sear

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Flatten the Chicken: Pound your chicken breasts until they're the same thickness everywhere. This makes them more tender by breaking down tough fibers and helps them cook evenly.
2. Add Flavoring: Dust both sides with 21 Salute Seasoning (or poultry seasoning), kosher salt, and fresh black pepper.
3. Warm Your Pan: Pour olive oil into a big skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until it's nice and hot before adding chicken.
4. Brown One Side: Drop your seasoned chicken into the hot pan and let it sit untouched for 5 minutes. Don't poke or move it - that's how you get that tasty brown crust.
5. Cook Other Side: Flip the chicken and cook another 5 minutes until it's done all the way through (should hit 165°F inside).
6. Let It Sit: Move chicken to a plate and give it a moment. This keeps all the juices inside for tender meat.
7. Scrape Up Flavors: Pour wine (or broth) into the hot pan - watch out for bubbling! This lifts all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom.
8. Make Your Sauce: Drop butter into the pan and let it melt completely while stirring. Toss in minced garlic and cook just till you can smell it, about a minute.
9. Mix Everything: Put the chicken back in and turn it around to cover with sauce. Spoon extra sauce over each piece.
10. Finish and Eat: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you want, and serve right away while hot.

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I figured out these tricks after my first try when my chicken didn't get that nice golden outside. You've gotta be patient with it!

Brilliant Busy Night Answer

This garlic butter chicken has gotten me through so many crazy evenings at my house. When we're 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, but you'll get fantastic results. Anyone can nail this recipe, even if you're not great at cooking.

Flexible Meal Pairing Ideas

You can do so much with this chicken that meal planning becomes super easy. Try it with a side of roasted veggies for something lighter, or pour it over buttery pasta when you want comfort food. Any leftover chicken makes awesome sandwiches or salads the next day. My family really loves it with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all that wonderful sauce.

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Choosing The Perfect Wine

Any dry white wine works in this dish, but I think Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc brings out bright flavors that really match the garlic butter. Use something you'd happily drink - cooking just concentrates the taste instead of removing it. If you don't want alcohol, try chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice to get that same tang and depth.

Easy Tweaks To Switch Things Up

We keep this dish exciting by changing it up now and then. Sometimes I toss in some sliced mushrooms before adding the wine for an earthy touch, or throw in cherry tomatoes that pop and mix with the sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary melted into the butter create different seasonal flavors, and a bit of red pepper flakes adds a nice gentle warmth.

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Closing Thoughts

This garlic butter chicken has become one of my favorite dishes when I want something that looks and tastes fancy but doesn't take much work. The rich, velvety sauce loaded with garlic and wine turns plain chicken breasts into something that seems like it took tons of effort. Nobody needs to know how simple it actually is to make.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s in 21 Salute Seasoning?

It’s a Trader Joe’s spice blend with no salt. Use any poultry seasoning instead.

→ Why flatten chicken breasts?

It helps them cook evenly, so you don’t end up with dry edges.

→ Can chicken thighs work too?

Definitely! Just allow a bit more time for them to cook completely.

→ Why leave chicken undisturbed while searing?

It lets the chicken get a nice, golden crust while preventing it from sticking to the pan.

→ What sides should I serve?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted veggies.