Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful, fuss-free dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe delivers big flavor with little effort. Serve it with rice, pasta, or veggies for a complete meal everyone will love.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)garlic (minced)unsalted buttersalt and pepperolive oilchicken broth (or water)fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top.
Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 20 minutes
Variations
Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright, zesty twist.
Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for extra richness.
Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Serve over mashed potatoes or pasta for a comforting dinner.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.For best results, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even searing and doneness.
What kind of garlic works best?
Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic paste or powder can work in a pinch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce, then reheat when ready to serve.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits a keto lifestyle when served with non-starchy sides.
What sides go well with garlic butter chicken?
Mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, pasta, or rice all pair perfectly.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely, just double the butter, garlic, and broth amounts.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and let the chicken rest briefly after searing before slicing.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is preferred for flavor, but margarine can be used if needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth is gluten-free.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, sear first for flavor, then finish baking in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a go-to dish for when you need something delicious in a hurry. With juicy chicken and a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite in your meal rotation. Give it a try and enjoy effortless comfort food any night of the week.
PrintQuick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This quick and easy garlic butter chicken is packed with flavor and made in just one pan! Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a simple weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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5 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt.
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Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
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Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
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For extra juicy chicken, use a meat thermometer and cook to 165°F internal temperature.
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This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies.
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You can swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if preferred—just adjust the cook time slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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