If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious chicken dish, this Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect answer. It’s made with tender, juicy chicken breasts (or thighs) seared to golden perfection and drenched in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. The combination of butter, garlic, and herbs creates an irresistible flavor that pairs well with almost any side dish.
Best of all? This is a one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even an elegant dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted veggies for a complete and satisfying meal!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) (600g total)
- 1 tsp salt (5g), or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper (1g)
- ½ tsp paprika (1g)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (1g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (45g)
- 6 cloves garlic (15g), minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and basil) (2g)
- 60ml chicken broth (or water, for extra moisture)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (15ml)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken in the pan and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 75°C / 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, lower the heat to medium, and add butter.
- Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and mix well.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken & Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over it.
- Simmer for 2 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fats: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients used.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken
???? Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts work great, thighs are naturally juicier and more forgiving if overcooked.
???? Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Searing the chicken in batches (if necessary) ensures a golden, crispy crust.
???? Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
???? Add More Flavor:
- Add grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra rich taste.
- Mix in honey or brown sugar for a sweet-savory contrast.
- Stir in heavy cream for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
???? Make it a Meal: Serve it with:
- Mashed potatoes (creamy and comforting)
- Steamed vegetables (for a balanced plate)
- Pasta (to soak up the garlic butter sauce)
- Crusty bread (perfect for dipping!)
???? Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Super Flavorful: Garlic butter sauce makes everything better!
✔️ One-Pan Recipe: Less cleanup, more convenience.
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
✔️ Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions.
✔️ Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. When ready to serve, reheat in a pan with the sauce for best results.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
Use 1 tsp garlic powder for every 2 cloves of garlic. While fresh garlic is best, garlic powder still adds great flavor.
Q: Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Yes! Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, then broil for a golden finish. Pour the garlic butter sauce over after baking.
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