Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a quick and drool-worthy dinner, my Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is just what you need. This dish boasts juicy, golden Chicken bathed in rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s loaded with flavor. Perfect for weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you crave comfort on a plate. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you probably already have.
- Garlic butter sauce makes every bite rich and savory.
- Pairs with a variety of sides from rice to veggies for a complete meal.
- It’s a guaranteed family favorite everyone will request on repeat.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub evenly to coat.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C). Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Add butter to skillet; once melted, stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden (don’t burn the garlic!).
Step 4: Finish Chicken in the Sauce
Return chicken to skillet. Spoon the garlic butter over the chicken, add parsley and lemon juice, and simmer for 2-3 minutes so flavors meld and chicken warms through.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Transfer to plates, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with more fresh parsley. Enjoy while hot!
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Notes
- Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing to keep juices locked in.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for the juiciest, evenly cooked results.
- Add a splash of chicken broth to the sauce if you want more pan sauce.
Variations
- Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken: Sprinkle ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce before adding chicken back.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes with Italian seasoning for a little kick.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs: Swap breasts for boneless, skinless thighs; adjust cook time as needed.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Storage Instructions
Store cooled Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the sauce.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, sautéed green beans, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
- Delicious with crusty bread to mop up every drop of garlic butter goodness!
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed for a nice sear.
- Be generous with the garlic for maximum flavor (fresh is best!).
- Lemon juice added right at the end brightens up the sauce perfectly.
FAQ
- Can I use bone-in chicken?
- Yes! Adjust cooking time as bone-in pieces take longer—just ensure they reach 165°F in the thickest part.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free?
- Simply use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter. The flavor will change slightly but it’ll still be delicious.
- How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
- Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer for accuracy and let the chicken rest briefly before slicing.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
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1Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
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3Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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4Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley, then return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon garlic butter sauce over the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes.
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5Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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