Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is an absolute weeknight hero. Juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—minimal ingredients, one skillet, and under 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s the kind of comforting, no-fuss meal that feels fancy enough for guests but is totally doable on a busy Wednesday evening.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Fuss-Free: Done in less than 30 minutes, with just one pan to clean—yes, please.
• Incredible Flavor: That buttery garlic sauce is pure magic. It’s savory, rich, and coats every bite of chicken perfectly.
• Versatile: This dish pairs with just about anything—pasta, rice, roasted veggies, you name it.
• Family Friendly: Even picky eaters go wild for this one. It’s got that classic, cozy flavor profile everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this dreamy chicken dish:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Perfectly tender when pan-seared, but thighs also work if you prefer dark meat.
• Salt and pepper: For simple, classic seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Garlic: Use fresh garlic, minced or finely chopped—it’s the star of the sauce.
• Unsalted butter: The base of the sauce. Unsalted lets you control the salt level.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken beautifully without burning the butter.
• Paprika (optional): Adds a subtle warmth and color to the chicken.
• Fresh parsley: For a pop of freshness at the end. Optional, but highly recommended for brightness.

Variations

Want to change things up? Here are some fun twists:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a zesty twist.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end for a luscious, velvety sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for some heat.
• Herb Swap: Try rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning in place of parsley for a different herbal note.

How to Make Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika if using. This helps create that golden crust during cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and deeply golden on the outside. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute—just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes so the flavors soak into the chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Spoon that extra sauce over the top—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to get that nice sear.
• Butter Burns Fast: Melt it gently over medium heat and add the garlic only after it’s melted to avoid bitterness.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken is perfectly cooked when the internal temp hits 165°F.
• Deglaze If Needed: If you’ve got bits stuck to the pan, a splash of chicken broth or white wine can help lift them into the sauce for even more flavor.

How to Serve

This chicken is a superstar when it comes to versatility. Here’s how to serve it up:

Over Pasta

Toss some spaghetti or fettuccine in the extra garlic butter sauce and lay the chicken on top—simple and indulgent.

With Rice or Mashed Potatoes

Soak up all that saucy goodness with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes.

Alongside Veggies

Pair with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad for a balanced plate.

Garlic Bread Bonus

Yes, garlic on garlic—grab a crusty slice of garlic bread to mop up that sauce. You’ll thank me later.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the chicken cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave also works in a pinch—just don’t overcook or the chicken may dry out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since they may take a few minutes longer.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic gives the best flavor, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or plant-based butter. The flavor will shift slightly but still be delicious.

Is this recipe low carb or keto-friendly?
It is! The garlic butter chicken itself is low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Just pair it with a low-carb side like cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.

Final Thoughts

This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in regular rotation. It’s fast, foolproof, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers big comfort with minimal effort. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with how easy dinner can be.

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