I honestly should have doubled this, maybe tripled it. Was planning to take some into work to share but my husband and kids picked them off completely before I even made it back into the kitchen.

I Honestly Should Have Doubled This, Maybe Tripled It. Was Planning to Take Some into Work to Share but My Husband and Kids Picked Them Off Completely Before I Even Made It Back into the Kitchen.

Hey there, friend! You ever have one of those days when you whip up something delicious, and it disappears faster than you can say "dinner’s ready"? Yeah, that was me the other night. I thought I could play the hero and make a special treat to share at work, but my husband and kids swooped in like a pack of hungry wolves. Honestly, I should have doubled this recipe!

So, what’s the dish? It’s an incredibly simple, hearty, and satisfying treat that everyone will love—garlic butter chicken. Let me tell you, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

So why is this garlic butter chicken so amazing? Here are a few reasons:

  • Quick to make – This comes together in no time, making it perfect for those chaotic weeknights.
  • Simple ingredients – You probably have most of them in your kitchen already. No fancy stuff here!
  • Great texture and flavor balance – It’s buttery and garlic-y, with juicy chicken that’s hard to resist.
  • Beginner-friendly – Seriously, anyone can do this, even if you’re just starting out.

And here’s a little insider tip: Browning the butter first adds a deeper, nutty flavor that’s simply to die for. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list for this garlic butter chicken. No fancy items here—just good, honest ingredients!

  • Butter – Creates a luscious richness that’s hard to beat.
  • Garlic – The heart of this dish. Fresh is best, but dried will do in a pinch.
  • Chicken thighs – Juicy, forgiving, and full of flavor. You could use breasts, but thighs are where it’s at.
  • Parsley (optional) – For a little color and freshness.
  • Salt and pepper – To taste, of course.

Kitchen Tools

Before you start, grab these handy tools:

  • A skillet (cast iron is great for that crispy finish)
  • A mixing bowl
  • A wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive in? Let’s make some garlic butter chicken!

  1. Melt the butter – Heat about 4 tablespoons of butter in your skillet over medium heat.
  2. Brown the butter – Once the butter starts to foam and smell nutty, you’re ready for the next step.
  3. Add the garlic – Toss in 3-4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds. Don’t overdo it; burnt garlic is a major no-no.
  4. Cook the chicken – Season 1 to 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You want that lovely crispy skin!
  5. Finish it off – Once the chicken is done, sprinkle with chopped parsley if using.

And there you have it! If you have any leftovers (unlikely but fingers crossed), they’re even better the next day!

Pro Tips for Success

  • Let your chicken sit out for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you have a lot of chicken, work in batches to keep the heat consistent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Burning the garlic – Keep an eye on it. If it browns too quickly, lower the heat.
  • Overcrowding the pan – This leads to steaming, not searing.
  • Slicing the chicken too soon – Let it rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to keep all those juices in!

Variations and Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few tasty twists:

  • Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a heat kick.
  • Lemon garlic chicken – Squeeze some lemon juice over the top for a bright flavor.
  • Add veggies – Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes for a one-pan meal.
  • Creamy version – Stir in some heavy cream at the end for a rich, luscious sauce.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This garlic butter chicken pairs beautifully with:

  • Roasted vegetables – Think carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
  • Rice – A fluffy side to soak up that buttery goodness.
  • Pasta – Tossed in the same skillet for extra flavor.
  • Crusty bread – Perfect for sopping up every last bit of buttery, garlicky loveliness.

Storage and Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers (a big if!), here’s how to store them:

  • Refrigerator: This keeps for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 2 months, just be sure to separate it into portions.
  • Reheating: The microwave works fine, but heating it in a skillet will bring back some of that crispy texture.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Sure! Just reheat on low heat to keep it juicy.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely! Just remember to separate it into portions before freezing.

What’s the best pan to use?

A cast iron or non-stick skillet works wonders.

Can I substitute an ingredient?

You can use other cuts of chicken or butter alternatives if you prefer.

Quick Recipe Summary

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-1.5 pounds chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter.
  2. Brown butter.
  3. Add garlic; sauté.
  4. Cook chicken until golden.
  5. Serve hot, garnished.

Final Thoughts

If you give this garlic butter chicken a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! And trust me, don’t sweat it if it doesn’t turn out perfect the first time — we’ve all been there. Cooking is about having fun and enjoying the process, and sometimes it’s perfectly imperfect! So, let’s get cooking!

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