If you are craving a dish that combines the golden crunch of perfectly seared chicken with the rich, aromatic allure of a buttery garlic sauce, then the Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Every bite of this dish bursts with layers of flavor, from the tender chicken thighs dusted in a light flour coating to the mouthwatering garlic butter that coats each piece before serving. It’s simple to prepare, impressively delicious, and guaranteed to become a family favorite, whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients that work in beautiful harmony. Each element plays a crucial role—from the seasoning that layers in savory goodness to the butter and garlic that bring that irresistible aroma and luscious finish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts): Choose thighs for extra juiciness and flavor, but breasts work great too for a leaner option.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complements the garlic notes perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides subtle smoky warmth and a beautiful golden color.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Amplifies the garlicky profile, layering the flavor before fresh garlic even hits the pan.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the crispy coating that ticks all the texture boxes.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For achieving that golden, crispy sear.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The star of the sauce, lending richness and silky texture.
- 5 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh, aromatic, and essential for the signature garlicky punch.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish that finishes the dish beautifully.
- Optional lemon wedges: Add a bright, zesty contrast when squeezed over before eating.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—a key step to achieving that coveted crispiness. Season each piece generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. These spices don’t just add flavor, they help create that deeply flavorful crust once cooked.
Step 2: Dredge in Flour
Lightly dredge the seasoned chicken in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumpy coating. This thin flour layer is what crisps up in the pan, providing a lovely textured shell that locks in juiciness.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken pieces. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the exterior is beautifully golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the skillet—this ensures even cooking and perfect crispiness.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside briefly. Reduce the heat to medium, then melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant and just lightly golden. This step creates the deeply flavorful sauce that coats the chicken.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon generous amounts of the garlic butter over each piece. Let everything cook together for about a minute so the chicken absorbs those buttery, garlicky notes before you plate.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chicken with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. If you like, serve with lemon wedges that add a refreshing zesty finish to the dish.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is not only pretty but adds a gentle herbaceous note that balances the richness of the garlic butter. Lemon wedges are an excellent optional addition to brighten every bite with a fresh burst of citrus.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the garlic butter sauce, steamed rice that provides a simple backdrop for the bold flavors, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a wholesome, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the crispy garlic butter chicken atop a bed of sautéed greens or creamy polenta. Adding a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or parmesan on top adds an elegant crunch. A drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce around the plate turns it into a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain quality.
Freezing
This chicken freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Cool it fully and wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To keep the chicken crisp upon reheating, warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes rather than the microwave. You can spoon a little reserved garlic butter over the top to keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work very well in this Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep the meat juicy and tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the dish suitable for those avoiding gluten while maintaining that delicious crispy coating.
What can I substitute for fresh garlic if I don’t have any?
While fresh garlic is ideal for the best flavor and aroma, you can use garlic powder as a substitute—add it to the butter gently and cook for a shorter time to avoid burning.
How do I prevent the flour coating from falling off during cooking?
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and flouring is critical. Also, shaking off excess flour helps create a thin, even crust that sticks better when sautéing over medium-high heat.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
You can, but butter brings a richness and depth that olive oil alone can’t fully replicate. If you need to avoid butter, try using extra olive oil and adding garlic earlier in the cooking process for aroma.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe feels like a warm hug for your taste buds—cinching together crispy, buttery, and garlicky goodness in a single skillet. It’s simple enough to whip up any night but special enough to impress family and friends. Dive in and enjoy every golden, buttery bite—you won’t regret making this fabulous recipe a regular in your culinary rotation!
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Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe delivers tender and juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. With a perfectly crispy exterior from a light flour dredge and pan-searing, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for an easy weeknight dinner. Garnished with fresh parsley and optionally served with lemon wedges, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
Cooking Fats and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish and Serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This seasoning mixture ensures a well-rounded flavor throughout the dish.
- Dredge in flour: Lightly coat each piece of seasoned chicken in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps. This step helps create a crispy exterior when seared.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté the garlic butter sauce: Lower the heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden to develop flavor without burning.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over each piece. Cook together for an additional minute so the chicken absorbs the buttery garlic flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a fresh herbal note. Serve warm with optional lemon wedges to brighten the dish as desired.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Both chicken thighs and breasts can be used. Chicken thighs will generally be juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner.
- To maintain the chicken’s crispiness, avoid overcrowding the skillet during cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
