Garlic Butter Chicken

When dinner needs to be quick, comforting, and packed with flavor, this garlic butter chicken always delivers. It solves a common weeknight problem—chicken that turns out bland or dry when you’re short on time.

This recipe gives you juicy, pan-seared chicken coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that tastes like something from a restaurant, but it’s made with simple ingredients in one skillet. I’ve cooked versions of this dish for years, especially on busy nights when I want real food without a lot of effort.

In this post, you’ll learn how to keep chicken juicy, how to build bold garlic butter flavor, easy variations, and storage tips so your garlic butter chicken comes out perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big flavor with simple ingredients

• Ready in about 30 minutes

• One-pan dinner with easy cleanup

• Versatile for pasta, rice, or low-carb sides

Ingredients & Prep

This is a skillet chicken recipe, so proper prep makes a big difference.

Main Ingredients Prep

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Pound lightly for even cooking

• Butter – Unsalted works best so you control the salt

• Garlic – Freshly minced for bold flavor

Seasonings, Sauces, or Flavor Base

• Italian seasoning – Adds herby depth

• Paprika – Mild warmth and color

• Black pepper – Freshly cracked for balance

• Chicken broth – Helps create a silky sauce

Pantry Staples

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Optional lemon juice or fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.

2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

3. If pieces are thick, pound to an even thickness.

Cooking Method

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F).

3. Remove chicken and set aside.

4. Lower heat and add butter to the skillet.

5. Stir in garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

6. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.

7. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

8. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.

Doneness or Texture Check

The chicken should be tender and juicy, and the sauce should lightly coat the back of a spoon.

Resting or Final Touches

Remove from heat and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or chopped parsley if desired. Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Burning the garlic – Always lower heat before adding it

• Overcooking the chicken – Use a thermometer if possible

• Skipping the pan sauce – This is where the flavor lives

Recommended Tools

• Large skillet

• Tongs

• Meat thermometer

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days

• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth

• Avoid high microwave heat to keep chicken moist

Flavor Variations

Spicy Version

• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne

• Stir in a dash of hot sauce

Healthy / Special Diet Option

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness

• Swap butter for olive oil (or half and half)

• Serve with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice

Global Flavor Twist

• Add soy sauce and honey for an Asian-style garlic chicken

• Stir in Parmesan for an Italian-inspired version

Serving Suggestions

Garlic butter chicken pairs well with:

• Mashed potatoes or rice

• Pasta or egg noodles

• Steamed green beans or broccoli

• Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

It also works great sliced over salads or grain bowls.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook fully, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently with extra broth or butter to refresh the sauce.

How do I fix common mistakes?
If chicken is dry, add more sauce and simmer briefly. If sauce is thin, reduce it a little longer over low heat.

Conclusion

This garlic butter chicken is proof that simple ingredients can still create a rich, satisfying meal. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when you want comfort without complexity.

Once you try it, it’s bound to become one of those go-to recipes you make again and again. Save it, customize it, and enjoy a classic dinner that never disappoints.

Sarah

This garlic butter chicken is a quick, one-pan dinner made with juicy pan-seared chicken smothered in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this easy skillet chicken recipe delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• Main Ingredients
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic freshly minced
• Flavor Base
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• Pantry Staples
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Optional Finishes
• Fresh parsley chopped
• Lemon juice to taste

Instructions

 

• Prep the Chicken
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
• Pound lightly if pieces are thick for even cooking.
• Sear
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F).
• Remove chicken and set aside.
• Make Garlic Butter Sauce
• Reduce heat to medium-low.
• Add butter to the skillet.
• Stir in garlic and cook 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
• Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
• Finish
• Return chicken to the skillet.
• Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer 1–2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and finish with lemon juice or parsley if desired.

Notes

• Always lower the heat before adding garlic to prevent burning.
• Use a thermometer for perfectly juicy chicken.
• Sauce thickens slightly as it rests.