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Seared chicken breasts in a skillet with herbs and pan juices.
Dinah Carthland, outdoor cooking expert, sitting at picnic table with camp stove and cooking pot at wilderness campsite in pine forest.DINAH CARTHLAND

Garlic Butter Chicken for Camping

Juicy garlic butter chicken cooked in one skillet over campfire heat. Packed with flavor, easy to prep ahead, and perfect for outdoor meals with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Camping
Calories: 390
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 breasts chicken breasts about 9 oz each, brought to room temperature
For the Dredging Mix
  • 0.25 cup plain all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper plus more to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter cut into chunks
  • 0.5 cup chicken stock
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced or diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
For Cooking
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for searing
For Serving
  • 1 lemon lemon cut into 4 wedges

Method
 

  1. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing through the middle to create four thinner pieces.
  2. Press each chicken piece into the flour mix until fully coated. Shake off any extra and set aside.
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of butter and the olive oil. When it sizzles, lay in the chicken pieces.
  4. Sear each side for 3–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a clean plate once done.
  5. Lower the heat. Add minced garlic to the pan and stir for 1 minute until softened and fragrant.
  6. Pour in chicken stock, scraping up browned bits. Stir in remaining butter chunks one at a time to emulsify.
  7. Add parsley and season to taste. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly. Return chicken to pan and spoon sauce over. Let rest 1 minute.
  8. Serve hot with a lemon wedge and extra sauce over the top.

Notes

Butterflying helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly. For juicier results, substitute thighs. Pre-prepping ingredients and packing smartly will make campsite cooking faster and safer. Add chili flakes or parmesan for a bolder flavor twist. Always use a thermometer to ensure food safety.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 390
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugar: 0.3g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 520mg