Garlic Butter Chicken A Savory Skillet Favorite for Every Home

Looking for a flavorful, juicy, and easy weeknight meal? This garlic butter chicken recipe is the perfect answer. Bursting with rich flavors, this dish combines tender chicken breasts (or thighs) seared to perfection and simmered in a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s mouthwateringly delicious. Whether you’re planning a quick dinner or want to impress your guests, garlic butter chicken is the ultimate comfort food.

In this detailed blog post, we’ll cover everything from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations, health tips, and serving ideas—all structured for SEO and reader engagement.

What Is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic butter chicken is a pan-seared chicken recipe cooked in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, butter, herbs, and sometimes a splash of cream or broth. It’s a one-pan meal that delivers high-impact flavor with minimal effort, making it a favorite for home cooks of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy

Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a perfect recipe for busy weeknights.

One-Pan Wonder

Less cleanup, more flavor. Everything is cooked in a single skillet.

Family Friendly

Picky eaters? Not a problem. This creamy, savory dish is a hit with both kids and adults.

Versatile

Serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a low-carb side like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

To make the best garlic butter chicken, you’ll need these simple ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional for creamy garlic butter sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh thyme/parsley
• Grated Parmesan (optional topping)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. This step ensures your chicken browns beautifully.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Add chicken broth or white wine, scraping up the brown bits from the pan for maximum flavor. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cream (Optional)

If you’re making a creamy version, stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan

Add the chicken back to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Pro Cooking Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Use a Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron pan helps create a nice crust on the chicken and enhances the flavor.

Don’t Burn the Garlic

Garlic burns quickly, turning bitter. Keep an eye on the heat when sautéing it in butter.

Use Fresh Herbs

Fresh thyme or parsley elevates the dish and adds color and aroma.

Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan and 1 cup of heavy cream to create a cheesy, creamy twist.

Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken

Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, zesty flavor profile.

Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken

Sprinkle in red chili flakes or add hot sauce to bring the heat.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Bacon

Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the sauce for a savory, smoky variation.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Mushrooms

Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for added texture and umami.

Health Benefits of Garlic Butter Chicken

High in Protein

Chicken breast is an excellent lean protein source, great for muscle repair and satiety.

Immune Boosting Garlic

Garlic is well known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Good Fats (in Moderation)

Butter and olive oil provide flavor and help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Keto and Low-Carb Friendly

Skip the cream and serve it with roasted veggies or cauliflower mash for a keto-friendly dinner.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken

This dish pairs well with many side options. Here are a few delicious ideas:

Pasta

Toss cooked pasta in the garlic butter sauce for a decadent treat.

Rice or Quinoa

Fluffy jasmine rice or protein-packed quinoa soak up the sauce beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables

Broccoli, green beans, and asparagus complement the rich garlic flavor.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes and garlic butter chicken are a match made in heaven.

Green Salad

A fresh salad balances out the richness and adds crunch and color.

Garlic Butter Chicken for Meal Prep

Garlic butter chicken stores and reheats well, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping.

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I Make This Dairy-Free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like ghee or coconut oil and skip the cream.

What’s the Best Wine for the Sauce?

Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work best.

How Do I Know When the Chicken Is Done?

Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).

Can I Bake Garlic Butter Chicken?

You can! Sear the chicken first, then finish it in a 375°F oven for 15 minutes with the sauce poured over.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or fresh thyme
• Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with broth or wine and simmer.
5. Stir in heavy cream if using; simmer until thickened.
6. Return chicken to skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Garnish and serve.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Deserves a Spot on Your Weekly Menu

Garlic butter chicken is everything you want in a home-cooked meal: simple, fast, and filled with rich flavor. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option, a quick dinner idea, or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe checks all the boxes. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a gourmet-style dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Add garlic butter chicken to your rotation and watch it become a family favorite!