Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Updated July 10, 2023

Garlic butter chicken is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and creamy butter. Not only is it a delicious meal, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Chicken is a lean source of protein that supports muscle growth and repair, while garlic provides various medicinal properties, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

Jump to recipe ⇣

Cooking Tips

To ensure the chicken turns out tender and juicy, it's important to follow some cooking tips. Cooking the chicken low and slow is key. This means roasting it at a lower temperature for a longer duration. This method allows the chicken to cook evenly and retain its moisture. Here's a handy chicken cooking temperature table to guide you:

• Internal Temperature for Chicken: 165°F (74°C)
• Internal Temperature for Chicken Breast: 160°F (71°C)
• Internal Temperature for Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks: 170°F (77°C)

In addition to cooking low and slow, there are other tips to enhance the flavors and texture of the garlic butter chicken. First, make sure to season the chicken liberally with salt and freshly ground pepper both inside and outside the cavity. This step helps to enhance the taste of the chicken. Secondly, stuffing the cavity with a head of garlic and fresh rosemary sprigs infuses the chicken with aromatic flavors. Lastly, basting the chicken with the melted butter mixture during cooking helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in the garlic butter chicken recipe serves a specific purpose in elevating the dish's taste and texture. Let's take a closer look at each component:

• 3-pound FFF Whole Chicken: This is the star of the dish and provides the main protein source. Opting for a whole chicken allows for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter adds richness and creaminess to the dish. It helps to keep the chicken moist and enhances the overall flavor.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil provides a light and fruity flavor while helping to achieve a golden and crispy skin.
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional): Adding white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, imparts a subtle tang and depth to the chicken. It also helps to tenderize the meat slightly.
• 1 lemon, halved: Lemon adds brightness and a tangy citrus flavor to the chicken. It also helps to tenderize the meat and balance the richness of the butter.
• Salt and freshly ground pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the flavors of the chicken and bring out its natural taste.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness and vibrant color to the dish. It provides a subtle herbal note that complements the other ingredients.
• 4 garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the chicken with its distinct flavor and aroma. It adds depth and complexity to the dish.
• 1 head of garlic, roughly peeled and cut in half: Placing a head of garlic inside the chicken cavity contributes to the overall taste and aroma. The roasted garlic becomes soft and mellow, providing a delicious addition to the meat.
• 3 fresh whole rosemary sprigs: Rosemary lends its earthy and aromatic flavor to the chicken. It pairs beautifully with garlic and enhances the overall taste profile.

List of Tools

To prepare garlic butter chicken, you will need the following tools:

• Baking tray or roasting pan: This provides a sturdy and heat-resistant surface for roasting the chicken.
• Foil or grease: Use foil to line the baking tray or grease the roasting pan lightly to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.
• Kitchen string: This is used to tie the chicken's legs together, ensuring even cooking and a presentable appearance.
• Basting brush: A basting brush helps evenly distribute the melted butter mixture over the chicken during cooking. It ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Now that we've covered the cooking tips, ingredients, and tools, let's turn them into easy-to-follow instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 430°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with foil or lightly grease a roasting pan.
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, white wine (if using), and the juice of half a lemon.
3. Pour the butter mixture over the chicken, both under the skin and inside the cavity. Season the chicken liberally with salt and pepper, both on the outside and inside the cavity. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken.
4. Rub the minced garlic over the chicken, making sure to coat all the ingredients evenly on the chicken and under the skin.
5. Stuff the head of garlic into the chicken cavity along with the rosemary sprigs and the squeezed lemon half. Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen string.
6. Place the chicken breast-side up into the prepared baking tray or roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour and 20 minutes, basting the chicken halfway through cooking time.
7. After basting, broil the chicken for a further 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This step helps to achieve a crispy and golden skin.

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken

If you have leftovers or want to prepare the dish in advance, here's how to store it properly:

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it.
• Remove the meat from the bones and place it in an airtight container.
• Store the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven at a low temperature to avoid drying it out.

Variations on the Recipe

To cater to different tastes and preferences, here are a few variations you can try:

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the butter mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or sage, to add a unique flavor profile to the chicken.
• Citrus Medley: Replace the lemon with orange or lime for a different citrus twist.
• Creamy Finish: Serve the chicken with a dollop of garlic-infused cream sauce for an indulgent touch.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, boneless chicken can be used instead of a whole chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Q: Can I substitute butter with a healthier alternative?
A: While butter contributes to the rich flavor and texture of the dish, you can use a combination of olive oil and a small amount of butter or ghee for a healthier option.

Q: Is it necessary to tie the chicken's legs together?
A: Tying the chicken's legs together helps to hold its shape and promote even cooking. However, it is not essential, and the dish can still be prepared without tying the legs.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 3-pound FFF Whole Chicken
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 lemon, halved
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 head of garlic, roughly peeled and cut in half
• 3 fresh whole rosemary sprigs

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 430°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with foil or lightly grease a roasting pan.
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, white wine (if using), and the juice of half a lemon.
3. Pour the butter mixture over the chicken, both under the skin and inside the cavity. Season the chicken liberally with salt and pepper, both on the outside and inside the cavity. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken.
4. Rub the minced garlic over the chicken, making sure to coat all the ingredients evenly on the chicken and under the skin.
5. Stuff the head of garlic into the chicken cavity along with the rosemary sprigs and the squeezed lemon half. Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen string.
6. Place the chicken breast-side up into the prepared baking tray or roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour and 20 minutes, basting the chicken halfway through cooking time.
7. After basting, broil the chicken for a further 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

ENJOY!