When you need dinner fast, this garlic butter chicken recipe is a simple choice. Tender chicken pieces cook in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon.
The whole meal comes together in about 30 minutes with basic ingredients. Serve the chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables for an easy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Uses simple ingredients
- One-pan recipe
- Great for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly
- Rich garlic butter flavor
- Easy to serve with your favorite side dishes
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well so the seasoning coats each piece.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic.
Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring often. Avoid letting the garlic burn.
4. Add the Broth and Lemon
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice.
Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to mix the browned bits into the sauce.
Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Return the Chicken
Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
Stir until the chicken gets coated with the garlic butter sauce.
Cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat.
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken. Add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.
Best Side Dishes
This garlic butter chicken pairs well with:
- Steamed rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Garlic bread
- Buttered noodles
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Fresh garden salad
Recipe Tips
Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Do not overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if needed.
Use fresh garlic for the strongest flavor.
Do not burn the garlic. Keep the heat at medium after adding the butter.
Add extra lemon juice if you prefer a brighter flavor.
For a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce for another few minutes before returning the chicken to the skillet.
Easy Variations
Add Vegetables
Add broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to turn this into a complete skillet meal.
Make It Spicy
Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Add Cream
Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream after adding the chicken broth for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
Use Shrimp
Replace the chicken with peeled shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly, so reduce the cooking time.
How to Store Leftovers
Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small splash of chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does garlic butter chicken take to cook?
The recipe takes about 30 minutes from preparation to serving.
What chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast works well. Chicken thighs also give you a juicy and flavorful result.
What should I serve with garlic butter chicken?
Rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, roasted vegetables, and garlic bread all pair well with this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Method: One Pan
Final Thoughts
This easy garlic butter chicken gives you a flavorful homemade dinner without a long cooking process. Tender chicken, butter, garlic, lemon, and herbs come together in one skillet for a meal your family will want again.
Save this recipe for your next busy weeknight and serve it with rice, potatoes, pasta, or vegetables.