Prepare to embark on a flavor adventure with this mouthwatering Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken! Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious, aromatic garlic butter sauce, infused with a vibrant blend of fresh herbs. This dish is the epitome of comfort, elegance, and culinary bliss, perfect for cozy family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you crave a comforting, flavor-packed meal.
Why You’ll Love This Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken
This Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken is a showstopping, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of savory garlic, rich butter, and a medley of fragrant herbs creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and extraordinary. The chicken turns out incredibly juicy and tender, with a crispy, golden-brown exterior that’s just begging to be devoured. This recipe is a true comfort food classic, perfect for sinking your teeth into on a chilly evening or serving as the centerpiece of a special meal. With its epic, cozy, and indulgent flavors, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
To make this Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need a few simple yet impactful ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken, which you’ll seasoned with a blend of warm spices. The creamy, zesty garlic butter sauce is the perfect accompaniment, made with fragrant herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Prepare to be swept away by the mouthwatering aroma and velvety, lush texture of this delectable dish.
- 4-6 chicken thighs or breasts – bone-in, skin-on for best results
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Herbs: You can swap in fresh basil, oregano, or even a touch of lemon zest for a bright, vibrant twist.
- Garlic: If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can omit it or use a milder alternative, such as shallots or green onions.
How to Make Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken dry and seasoning it generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices. This will help the chicken develop a deliciously crispy exterior. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet and add the minced garlic, stirring until fragrant.
Step 1: Prep Work
Once the butter is infused with the garlic, add the chicken to the pan and sear it on both sides until golden-brown. This will lock in the juices and create a beautiful caramelized crust. Then, reduce the heat and continue cooking the chicken until it’s cooked through, basting it with the garlic butter sauce as it simmers.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Toward the end of the cooking time, stir in the fresh herbs, allowing them to wilt and infuse the sauce with their vibrant flavors. Finish the dish by spooning the herb-infused garlic butter over the chicken, ensuring every bite is bursting with comfort and zest.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a dollop of tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt to the garlic butter sauce.
- Crunchy Topping: Top the chicken with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts.
- More Sauce: Increase the amount of butter and broth to create a saucier dish.
- Dietary Swap: Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: fluffy mashed potatoes, aromatic rice, or a bright, crisp salad.
Storage: Leftover Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance and reheated before serving.
Nutrition Information
This Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken dish is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the butter. While it’s an indulgent dish, the herbs and spices provide a flavorful boost without excessive calories or sodium. Enjoy this comforting, flavor-packed meal as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or breast
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts work best for this recipe, as the skin helps to create a delicious, crispy exterior while the bone-in cut keeps the meat juicy and tender.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken can be prepared a day in advance and reheated before serving. The flavors will actually intensify as the dish sits, making it an excellent make-ahead option.
How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?
To save on costs, you can use chicken drumsticks or bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of breasts. These cuts are generally more affordable while still providing excellent flavor and texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs will provide the best flavor, you can substitute dried herbs if necessary. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.
Try These Next
- Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs On Sheet Pan
- Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Skewers
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake
Delectable Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken is a succulent dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful herb and garlic butter sauce. Perfect for dinner any night of the week!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4.
5. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6.
7. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
8.
9. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
10.
11. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
12.
13. Spoon some of the garlic butter over the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
14.
15. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
16.
17. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
18.
19. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
For a twist, try adding lemon zest to the butter mixture for a citrusy flavor.
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken, garlic butter, herb-infused