Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. It’s everything you want in a home-cooked meal: tender, juicy chicken seared to golden perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s downright irresistible. With minimal ingredients and almost no prep time, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes—making it ideal for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Foolproof: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple steps that anyone can follow.
• Packed with Flavor: Garlic and butter are a classic combo for a reason. The depth of flavor here is just incredible.
• Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.
• Versatile: Pairs beautifully with everything from pasta to rice, or even a simple salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this garlic butter masterpiece:

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless and skinless; chicken thighs stay juicy, but breasts are great if you prefer leaner cuts.
• Butter: The base of our luscious sauce; use unsalted to better control the seasoning.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key. It’s the backbone of the flavor in this recipe—don’t skimp!
• Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything to life.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a perfect golden crust without burning the butter.
• Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.

Variations

Feel like mixing it up? You absolutely can!

• Add Heat: A pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper adds a lovely kick.
• Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream after the garlic to make a creamy garlic butter sauce.
• Lemon Zing: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the whole dish.
• Herb Swap: Try fresh thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.

How to Make Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple step is the key to developing a beautiful crust and tons of flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Depending on the thickness, this takes about 5-6 minutes per side. Once done, transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. You’re not looking to brown it, just to release that amazing aroma.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the garlic butter all over it. Let it simmer together for a minute or two so the flavors really meld. Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: This helps it cook evenly and prevents dry spots.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Keep the heat moderate when adding garlic to avoid bitterness.
• Rest Before Slicing: Give the chicken 5 minutes to rest before slicing—this keeps it juicy.
• Deglaze if Needed: If there are brown bits stuck to the pan, a splash of chicken broth or white wine will lift all that flavor right into your sauce.

How to Serve

This garlic butter chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:

With Carbs:

Serve over buttery mashed potatoes, creamy risotto, or your favorite pasta. Rice or couscous also make a great base to soak up that sauce.

With Veggies:

Pair with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a crisp green salad for a lighter plate.

As a Sandwich:

Slice it up and tuck into a toasted bun with some greens for a next-level chicken sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will solidify slightly, but it will melt back into its glorious form when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken (preferably without the parsley garnish) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the chicken tender. You can also microwave in short bursts if you’re short on time.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
You can, but fresh garlic makes a big difference in this dish. Pre-minced works in a pinch, but the flavor is milder. Garlic powder doesn’t offer the same depth, but it can be used if absolutely necessary.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or olive oil. Just note that the flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.

What if my chicken is thick and not cooking through?
Slice it in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets or pound them to an even thickness. This ensures quicker, even cooking without drying out the outside.

Can I make this in the oven?
Yes, you can sear the chicken first, then transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F to finish cooking. Just add the garlic butter sauce over the top before baking for 10-12 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is your go-to for a cozy, flavor-packed meal without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, this dish delivers every single time. Try it once, and it just might earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. Enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite!

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