Garlic Butter Chicken Delight

This garlic butter chicken transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 15 minutes. The magic happens when the chicken sears to golden perfection and gets bathed in a heavenly garlic butter sauce with a splash of wine that elevates every bite to pure bliss.

I first made this when I needed a no-fail dinner for unexpected guests. The kitchen filled with such an incredible aroma that everyone gathered around the stove before I could even set the table. Now it's my go-to impressive meal that requires almost no planning.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: fresh or frozen that have been properly thawed for even cooking
• Olive oil: creates the perfect searing environment for golden chicken
• 21 Salute Seasoning: a Trader Joe's blend that adds complexity without extra measuring
• Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors better than table salt
• Black pepper: freshly ground provides the best flavor punch
• White wine: creates the foundation for the sauce with acidity that balances the richness
• Unsalted butter: forms the luxurious sauce base you will be tempted to drink
• Garlic: fresh minced provides unmatched aromatic flavor
• Fresh parsley: adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear The First Side:

Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium high heat. Arrange seasoned chicken in a single layer without overcrowding. Let it cook completely undisturbed for 5 minutes. Resist the urge to move it around. The secret to that gorgeous golden crust is allowing the chicken to maintain constant contact with the hot pan.

Flip And Finish Cooking:

Turn each piece over carefully using tongs. The properly seared side should have a beautiful golden brown color. Again let the chicken cook undisturbed for another 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Thicker breasts may need an extra minute or two.

Rest The Chicken:

Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate to rest. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat ensuring every bite stays moist. Even just 3 minutes makes a difference in tenderness.

Create The Sauce Base:

Add wine to the hot pan to deglaze. Stand back slightly as the liquid will bubble vigorously as it releases all those wonderful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These flavor particles contain concentrated chicken essence that will make your sauce incredible.

Add Butter And Garlic:

Drop butter into the simmering wine and swirl the pan as it melts. Once fully incorporated add the minced garlic and stir continuously to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown which would create bitterness.

Return Chicken To Sauce:

Place the rested chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Spoon the garlic butter mixture generously over each piece coating all sides. This final bath in the sauce allows the chicken to absorb those rich flavors.

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The first time I served this to my brother who rarely comments on food he actually stopped mid bite to ask for the recipe. The combination of properly seared chicken with that butter garlic sauce creates something truly magical that transcends its simple ingredients.

Perfect Wine Pairing

The white wine used in cooking gives a clue to what pairs well for drinking. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay complements the garlic butter sauce without overpowering it. The acidity in these wines cuts through the richness of the butter creating perfect balance with each bite.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides. Serve over buttered egg noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes that can soak up the extra sauce. For a lighter option roasted asparagus or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides nice contrast to the rich chicken. My personal favorite is crusty French bread for sauce dipping plus a side of simple steamed vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

No 21 Salute Seasoning? Create your own blend with equal parts dried basil oregano thyme rosemary and garlic powder plus a pinch of celery seed. For a dairy free version use olive oil instead of butter adding a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness. When serving children substitute the wine with chicken broth and add a teaspoon of lemon juice for acidity.

Storage And Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container with all the sauce for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. The butter in the sauce will solidify when cold which actually helps preserve the moisture in the chicken. To reheat gently warm in a covered skillet over medium low heat adding a tablespoon of water if needed to recreate the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the chicken tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute wine with something else?

Yes, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute for wine. It adds a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol content.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness and avoid overcooking it. Searing without disturbing helps lock in the juices.

→ What seasoning works best?

21 Salute or poultry seasoning pairs well with this dish, but feel free to use your favorite blends to enhance the flavors.

→ Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative or olive oil. It will still be flavorful and aromatic.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 4 months. Reheat gently to retain moisture.