Garlic Butter Chicken (Skillet OR Oven-Baked)

Okay, so let me tell you — this garlic butter chicken recipe is my absolute favorite! It’s buttery, garlicky, and oh-so-good. If you love easy dinners that taste amazing, you’re gonna love this one too.

I make this chicken when I want something fast but still fancy. Like, who doesn’t love chicken that’s juicy and full of flavor, right? And guess what? It all comes together in just one pan!

Every time I make this, my kitchen smells like a dream — buttery garlic goodness! And the best part? You can eat it with rice, pasta, or veggies. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wanna make it all the time.

So, are you ready to cook some yummy garlic butter chicken with me? Let’s get started and make dinner super easy and delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Creamy, buttery, and rich garlic flavor that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Basic pantry staples create an unforgettable dish.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, start to finish.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for a cozy dinner, date night, or meal prepping for the week.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser even for picky eaters—no complicated ingredients.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings:

This recipe serves 4 people, but you can easily double it if serving a larger group or for meal prep.

Difficulty:

Beginner-friendly. Great for home cooks who want a dish that feels special without being complicated.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need these basic tools:

• Large Skillet (Cast Iron or Stainless Steel): For even browning and to hold the sauce.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: For trimming and slicing the chicken.
• Cutting Board: To prep chicken and garlic safely.
• Meat Mallet (Optional): To pound the chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Tongs or Spatula: For flipping chicken without losing juices.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For seasoning mix.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 4 pieces, pounded evenly for quick, even cooking.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and color to the chicken.
• Garlic (Fresh Minced): 6 cloves for bold, aromatic garlic flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons to create that rich, smooth sauce.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon to prevent burning the butter when searing chicken.
• Chicken Broth (Low-Sodium): ½ cup to create the base of the sauce and deglaze the pan.
• Fresh Parsley (Chopped): For garnish and a touch of freshness.
• Optional: Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon) for a little tang if you want a fresh flavor lift.

Variations for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Add Herbs: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano for extra herbal depth.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamier version.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Swap breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier cut.
• Add Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper adds gentle spice.
• Include Veggies: Add spinach or mushrooms to the pan for a one-pan meal.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely without steaming.

If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets or use a meat mallet to pound them to even thickness (about ½ to ¾ inch thick). This ensures they cook evenly.

2. Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Gently press the seasoning into the meat so it sticks.

3. Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering (but not smoking), add the chicken breasts in a single layer.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Tip: Avoid moving the chicken too much; let it sit and develop a golden crust.

Once done, transfer chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean—those browned bits add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium.
Add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and 6 cloves minced garlic to the pan.
Sauté the garlic for about 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.

5. Deglaze with Chicken Broth

Pour in ½ cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon or spatula. These bits hold rich flavor that will infuse the sauce.
Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.

Optional: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice here for a brighter, fresher sauce.

6. Combine Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the garlic butter sauce.
Spoon the sauce over the chicken several times to coat it well.
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 1-2 more minutes to soak up the flavor.

7. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a fresh finish.
Serve hot, spooning extra garlic butter sauce over the top.

Quick Recap of the Cooking Process:

1. Prep and Season chicken.
2. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through.
3. Make garlic butter sauce in the same skillet.
4. Deglaze with broth to create a rich sauce.
5. Return chicken to sauce, spoon over, and garnish.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas to make a complete, balanced meal:

• With Pasta: Serve over spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine. The garlic butter sauce makes an instant pasta sauce.
• With Rice: Pair with steamed white rice, brown rice, or wild rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a cozy, comforting side that complements the rich sauce.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a light and healthy addition.
• With Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up every drop of sauce.
• In Sandwiches or Wraps: Slice and tuck the chicken into warm pita, wraps, or baguettes for a delicious handheld meal.

Storing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken (without the sauce) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Pound Chicken Evenly: Ensuring an even thickness helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor—avoid jarred garlic if possible.
• Deglaze the Pan: Scraping up the browned bits from the skillet when adding broth adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. For a thinner sauce, add a splash more broth.
• Optional Touch of Lemon: A little lemon juice at the end brightens up the rich butter and garlic flavors.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	320
Protein	36g
Carbohydrates	3g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	9g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	1g
Sodium	420mg

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used

Garlic Butter Chicken FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and are naturally juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for butter if I want it lighter?

You can use a mix of olive oil and a little chicken broth for a lighter version, though butter provides a richer flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the chicken and store it with the sauce. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Keep the heat at medium when sautéing garlic, and stir constantly. Garlic cooks quickly, so watch it closely.

What sides go best with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, steamed vegetables, and salads pair perfectly.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple, yet elegant dish that turns basic ingredients into something special. With tender, juicy chicken and a silky garlic butter sauce, it’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this recipe brings comfort and flavor to your table — without extra effort.