Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful, no-fuss dish that delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that pairs well with vegetables, pasta, or rice. The combination of garlic, butter, and a few basic seasonings creates a deliciously savory sauce your family will love.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighsunsalted buttergarlic (minced)chicken broth or white winelemon juice (optional)Italian seasoning or dried thymeparsley (for garnish)salt and pepper
directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (or thyme).
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. If using, stir in a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb some of the sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 20 minutes
Variations
Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet for an earthy flavor.
Stir in a little heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the chicken just before serving for extra richness.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking, but you can cook frozen chicken—just increase cooking time by 5-7 minutes per side.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and skip the cream for a dairy-free option.
Can I use chicken with the skin on?
Yes, just be sure to cook it skin-side down first for extra crispness, but it may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure you have a large enough skillet to fit all the chicken, or cook in batches.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini to the skillet in the last few minutes of cooking for added flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious, simple dish that comes together in no time. With a buttery garlic sauce and juicy chicken, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and versatile—pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
PrintQuick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe features tender chicken breasts seared in a garlic-infused butter sauce. It’s a flavorful, low-effort dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy sauce)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- If using, stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let cook for 1–2 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier option instead of breasts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
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