Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet indulgent dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce.
This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, with minimal ingredients and effort required.
The addition of fresh rosemary and melted cheese elevates the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and delicious. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’re in for a meal that’s both savory and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe because it’s packed with rich, savory flavors that are irresistible.
The garlic butter sauce is the star, infusing the chicken with a deliciously aromatic taste, while the rosemary adds a fresh, fragrant touch.
It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting dish without a lot of fuss.
Plus, the melted cheese on top takes it to the next level, creating a creamy, satisfying finish that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, they serve as the base of the dish.
Butter: Adds richness and creates the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Garlic: Minced to perfection, it infuses the chicken with a fragrant, savory taste.
Fresh rosemary: Adds an aromatic and earthy flavor that complements the garlic butter.
Shredded Reduced Fat 4-Cheese Italian: A blend of cheeses that melts beautifully over the chicken for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
4 (16-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 stick (½ cup) butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
½ cup shredded reduced-fat 4-cheese Italian blend
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of butter.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Set aside.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently for 4 to 5 minutes, until it becomes golden brown. Be sure to avoid burning the garlic.
Stir in the chopped rosemary and remove the skillet from the heat.
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Bake for 30 to 32 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken and return to the oven for an additional 3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
Serve the chicken on plates, spooning some of the garlic butter sauce over the top.
Enjoy your flavorful garlic butter chicken!
Notes:
Garlic Handling: Be cautious when cooking the garlic, as it can easily burn and turn bitter. Stir it frequently and remove it from the heat once it’s lightly browned to avoid overcooking.
Butter Substitution: You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a mix of both for a lighter version, though it won’t give the same rich flavor.
Cheese Options: If you don’t have the reduced-fat 4-cheese Italian blend, you can substitute with mozzarella, Parmesan, or any cheese that melts well.
Chicken Preparation: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer darker meat. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs might take a little longer to cook through.
Additional Flavor: Feel free to add lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce for a bright, fresh flavor.
Serving Ideas: Serve this dish with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal. You can also spoon the garlic butter sauce over potatoes or pasta for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information:
SERVING SIZE: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 400 kcal | Protein: 45g | Total Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fiber: 0g | Sugars: 1g | Sodium: 350mg | Calcium: 150mg (from cheese) | Iron: 1-2mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe.
The cooking time may vary slightly, as chicken thighs take a bit longer to cook.
Be sure to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I make this dish without rosemary?
Yes, you can still make the garlic butter chicken without rosemary.
If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you could substitute with thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the garlic butter sauce and season the chicken ahead of time.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Just add the cheese and bake as instructed when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While shredded Italian cheese is used in this recipe, you can substitute it with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan, depending on your preference.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.
If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink in the center.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for this recipe.
Frozen chicken breasts may not cook evenly, and you might need to adjust the cooking time.
If you have frozen chicken, it’s advisable to thaw it completely before starting.
How can I make sure the garlic doesn’t burn when cooking it in butter?
To avoid burning the garlic, make sure to cook it over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Garlic can burn quickly, so watch it closely and remove it from heat once it becomes fragrant and lightly browned.
Do not let it darken too much.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can use olive oil in place of butter if you prefer.
However, butter adds a rich flavor to the dish that olive oil may not fully replicate.
You could also use a combination of both for a good balance of flavor and richness.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or pressure cooker?
While this recipe is designed for baking, you can adapt it to a slow cooker.
Cook the chicken breasts on low for about 4-6 hours, and add the garlic butter mixture during the last 30 minutes.
For a pressure cooker, you could cook the chicken for about 10 minutes on high pressure and then add the garlic butter and cheese for the final steps.
How can I adjust the recipe if I want to make it for more servings?
To make more servings, simply scale up the ingredients.
Use additional chicken breasts and adjust the butter and seasonings accordingly.
Ensure that the baking dish is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken and that it bakes evenly.
You may need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes if using more chicken.