Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is quick, easy, and loaded with bold garlic and buttery goodness. The chicken turns golden and tender in the pan, soaking up the rich flavor of the garlic butter sauce. It’s a versatile recipe that works with chicken breasts or thighs and pairs perfectly with a wide range of sides—from vegetables and pasta to mashed potatoes or rice. Plus, it’s all done in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Chicken broth or water (optional, for thinning the sauce)
- Fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or water if desired to create more sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter over the top. Let it simmer for 2–3 more minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for extra richness and crispy skin.
- Add lemon juice or zest to the sauce for a bright citrus twist.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan for a cheesy garlic butter finish.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the pan for a veggie boost.
- Turn it into a creamy garlic butter sauce by stirring in a splash of cream.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist.
Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Not ideal for freezing, as the butter sauce may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be used if you’re short on time.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based butter substitute, though the flavor may differ slightly.
What sides pair well with garlic butter chicken?
Great sides include mashed potatoes, steamed rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and reheat it later, but for best results, make the garlic butter sauce fresh.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and fits well into keto and low-carb diets.
Can I make this spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter sauce for some heat.
How can I make extra sauce?
Double the butter and garlic, and add more broth to increase the amount of sauce.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, sear the chicken first, then finish it in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes before adding the garlic butter sauce.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken is the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. With tender, golden chicken and a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, it’s a versatile recipe that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this one-skillet favorite is sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful one-skillet dish made with juicy chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or water if desired to create more sauce.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon garlic butter over the top. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes to coat and reheat.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Double the butter and garlic for more sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Stir in a splash of cream for a creamy garlic butter sauce variation.
- Pairs well with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
