Description
This Italian Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce infused with Italian herbs. Perfectly seared on the stovetop, the dish is simple yet elegant, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Heat Pan and Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and heat until shimmering, preparing for searing the chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook another 5 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced and flavorful.
- Combine and Finish: Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) to prevent dryness.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream after deglazing the pan.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
