Rich, juicy, weeknight comfort

If you need a fast and flavorful dinner that feels a little special, this garlic butter chicken is about to earn a regular spot on your menu. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden, then coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that tastes like comfort food made easy. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight, cozy family dinner, or even a simple meal prep idea when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. Best of all, this easy chicken dinner comes together quickly with pantry-friendly ingredients, so you can get a delicious skillet chicken recipe on the table without the stress. ✨

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

📝 Ingredients List

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chicken broth

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

Large skillet or frying pan
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl
Tongs
Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, slice them in half horizontally or gently pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts and starts to foam, place the chicken in the pan.
Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side without moving it too much, until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F in the thickest part. Transfer to a plate.
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, but do not let the garlic brown. 😊
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir well, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the skillet. The sauce should look slightly glossy and smell rich and garlicky.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors come together. While the chicken simmers, chop the parsley.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm. Spoon extra sauce over each piece for the best flavor. 🍽️

💡 Pro Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat so the chicken stays juicy.
Substitutions: Chicken thighs work beautifully here and stay extra tender. Just adjust the cook time as needed.
Avoid dry chicken: Use an instant-read thermometer and remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F.
Extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little extra lemon juice if you want a brighter, bolder finish. 😋

Variations

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
Herb Garlic Butter Chicken: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic flavor.
Mushroom Version: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms after cooking the chicken, then continue with the sauce.
Spicy Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute and may need an extra minute or two of cooking time depending on size.

What should I serve with garlic butter chicken?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can season the chicken earlier in the day and keep it refrigerated until ready to cook. The finished dish also reheats well for lunch or dinner.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest way is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The juices should run clear, and the center should no longer be pink.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, though the sauce is best fresh. Freeze cooled chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Garlic Butter Chicken

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Golden, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce. A quick, flavorful weeknight favorite with pantry-friendly ingredients and a touch of lemon brightness.

Author: Samantha Jones
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 15
Total Time: 25
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Easy Chicken Recipes
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chicken broth

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Instructions

Pat chicken breasts dry. Thinly slice or gently pound to ensure even cooking.
Mix salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder in a bowl. Season both sides of chicken.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken from pan.
Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to pan. Cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Scrape golden bits from the pan.
Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer 2-3 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier results if breasts tend to dry out.
Store leftovers with sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.