Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken in 30 Minutes

This Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is juicy, golden, and coated in rich garlic butter sauce. A one-pan chicken dinner ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup and BIG flavor.

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken in 30 Minutes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-pan skillet meal
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Rich garlic butter flavor
  • Family-friendly & customizable
  • Perfect for busy weeknights

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Season chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, then stir in garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits.
  5. Finish: Return chicken to the skillet. Simmer 5–7 minutes until cooked through and coated in sauce.
  6. Serve: Garnish with parsley and spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the chicken.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Tongs
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Meat thermometer

Tips & Variations

  • Extra sauce: Double the garlic butter ingredients.
  • Creamy version: Add ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
  • Low-carb: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat gently.

Serving Suggestions

  • Mashed potatoes or rice
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Pasta or egg noodles
  • Fresh side salad

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 36g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With rich garlic butter sauce and one-pan convenience, it’s a dinner recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Save, print, or share this weeknight favorite.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, thighs work great and stay extra juicy, just cook a bit longer.

How do I prevent garlic from burning?
Lower the heat and cook the garlic briefly before adding liquid.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, store cooked chicken and sauce separately for the best texture.

Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months.

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