Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful, crispy-skinned chicken dish with a rich, buttery garlic sauce that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The chicken is pan-fried to golden perfection, while the garlic butter sauce is drizzled over the top, infusing the chicken with savory goodness. It’s a perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken and a buttery, garlicky finish that will have you reaching for seconds.
I first made Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken on a weeknight when I wanted something quick but full of flavor. The chicken turned out wonderfully crispy on the outside, while the garlic butter sauce added a rich, savory depth to every bite. The beauty of this dish lies in the simplicity—the garlic butter sauce is made with just a few ingredients, but the flavor is incredibly bold and comforting. Serve it with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Special occasions
- Weeknight meals
- Comfort food lovers
- Garlic enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken will become your go-to recipe:
- Perfectly Crispy Chicken: The chicken is coated in a crispy, golden layer that stays crunchy even after being tossed in the garlic butter.
- Buttery Garlic Flavor: The garlic butter sauce is rich and savory, infusing the chicken with bold flavor.
- Juicy Chicken: Despite the crispy exterior, the chicken remains tender and juicy on the inside.
- Quick and Easy: This dish is simple to make and ready in under an hour, perfect for busy nights.
- One-Pan Wonder: The chicken and sauce can be made in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Versatile Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Minimal Ingredients: The recipe uses basic pantry staples, yet delivers a sophisticated taste.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of garlic or spice to suit your preferences.
- Impressive Presentation: The golden, crispy chicken looks as amazing as it tastes, making it a great choice for guests.
- Comforting and Satisfying: With its rich flavors and crispy texture, this dish offers the ultimate comfort food experience.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 30g
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup vegetable oil for frying
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Provide an extra-crispy coating that holds up well against the garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic Butter: Elevates the chicken with rich, savory flavors and a hint of lemon.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the richness of the garlic butter with a zesty kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Prep the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt.
- Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the Lemon and Parsley: Stir in the lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley. Simmer for another minute to combine the flavors.
Assemble the Dish:
- Toss the Chicken in Sauce: Return the fried chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken, allowing it to coat each piece.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to plates and drizzle with the remaining sauce from the skillet. Serve hot.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken:
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve the chicken over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted veggies like carrots, broccoli, or asparagus for a balanced plate.
- On a Salad: Slice the chicken and add it to a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- With Rice Pilaf: Serve alongside rice pilaf or your favorite rice dish for a hearty dinner.
- With Garlic Bread: Add garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra butter sauce.
- On Pasta: Top a bowl of pasta with the chicken and garlic butter sauce for an Italian-inspired dish.
- With Steamed Veggies: Serve with steamed vegetables like green beans or peas for a healthy option.
- For Meal Prep: Divide the chicken into meal prep containers with rice or veggies for a convenient lunch.
- On a Bun: Make a crispy chicken sandwich by placing the chicken on a toasted bun with lettuce and tomato.
- With a Fresh Side Salad: A light side salad pairs well to balance the richness of the chicken.
Additional Tips
- Use a Thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even crispiness.
- Keep the Oil Hot: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F or 175°C) for the crispiest results.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to help retain its juiciness.
- Adjust Garlic Amount: If you love garlic, feel free to add more to the sauce for extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for some heat.
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Add grated Parmesan to the panko breadcrumbs for a cheesy, crispy crust.
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: Increase the lemon juice for a zesty lemon garlic sauce.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Add other fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the garlic butter sauce for added aroma.
- Air Fried Chicken: Use an air fryer to cook the chicken for a healthier, oil-free option while maintaining crispiness.
- Crispy Chicken Thighs: Substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful cut of meat.
Special Equipment
- Skillet or Frying Pan: For frying the chicken and making the garlic butter sauce.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Shallow Bowls: For dredging the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Tongs: For safely turning the chicken while frying.
- Serving Plates: For a beautiful presentation of the finished dish.
FAQ Section
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted. - Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute in a pinch. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The chicken is best served fresh, but you can make the sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. - Can I make the chicken spicier?
Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the garlic butter for extra heat. - What can I serve with this chicken if I’m avoiding carbs?
Pair it with a low-carb side like zucchini noodles or a cauliflower mash. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results. - Can I skip frying and bake the chicken?
Yes, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes for a healthier alternative. - How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and press down lightly to help it stick. - Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe. - How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and skip the butter in the sauce or substitute with olive oil.
Conclusion
Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that features perfectly seasoned chicken with a golden, crispy exterior and a rich, savory garlic butter sauce that adds incredible flavor. The combination of crispy skin or a crispy coating with the richness of garlic butter creates a balanced, satisfying meal.
To make it, chicken thighs or breasts are coated in a blend of flour (for a crispy crust) and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The chicken is pan-fried until the coating turns golden brown and crispy, while the chicken remains juicy on the inside. The real magic happens when the garlic butter sauce is made—melted butter is infused with fresh garlic, herbs like thyme or rosemary, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The sauce is drizzled over the chicken, adding an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dish.
I can’t wait to see how your Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!
