Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken: Juicy, Flavorful & Irresistible in 20 Minutes! 🍗🧈🧄🔥
1. Introduction
Looking for a quick, delicious, and foolproof chicken dinner that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters? This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is your answer! With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s bursting with rich, savory flavors. The combination of golden-brown chicken, aromatic garlic, and velvety butter creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for weekend entertaining! If you’re looking for more easy dinner ideas, be sure to check out our collection of family-friendly recipes.
2. Ingredients
One of the best things about this garlic butter chicken recipe is how simple the ingredients are. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already! Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) – look for evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking
- 1 teaspoon salt (preferably kosher salt for better flavor distribution)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (freshly ground makes a big difference!)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor and beautiful color)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (this lets you control the saltiness)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best, but 1 teaspoon garlic powder works in a pinch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and freshness)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for brightness and to balance the richness)
If you love cooking with chicken as much as we do, you’ll definitely want to explore our chicken recipes collection for more delicious ideas!
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this crucial step helps achieve that perfect golden crust by removing excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. For maximum flavor penetration, let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients. This also helps it cook more evenly. If you have time, check out our breakfast recipes for tomorrow morning’s meal prep!
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. This is when your kitchen will start smelling amazing! Be careful not to burn the garlic – you want it golden and aromatic, not bitter. The key is to watch it closely and stir constantly. For more cooking basics, our baking section has great tips on working with different ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Increase heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The chicken should develop a beautiful golden-brown crust while staying juicy inside. For extra flavor, baste the chicken occasionally with the garlic butter sauce by spooning it over the top. This technique is similar to what professional chefs do to keep meats moist and flavorful!
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and tender. While it rests, you can prepare some quick sides – maybe a fresh salad or some warm bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Drizzle the chicken with the remaining garlic butter sauce from the pan, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. The bright acidity really balances the rich butter flavor beautifully.
4. Cooking Tips
To make your garlic butter chicken absolutely perfect every time, keep these professional tips in mind:
- For even cooking, pound thicker chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin
- Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking – chicken should reach exactly 165°F (74°C)
- Try adding ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning for extra depth of flavor
- For a richer sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end
- Let your butter get slightly brown (not burnt) for a nuttier, more complex flavor
5. Serving Suggestions
This versatile garlic butter chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides! Here are our top recommendations:
- Creamy mashed potatoes (the perfect vehicle for that delicious sauce)
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus
- A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette
- Buttered egg noodles or fragrant rice pilaf
- Crusty bread to sop up every last drop of garlic butter goodness
If you’re serving a crowd, consider adding one of our favorite soup recipes as a starter course!
6. Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the chicken moist. You can also freeze the cooked chicken (without garnishes) for up to 2 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For meal prep, this dish works great alongside our beef recipes for variety throughout the week.
7. Nutritional Information
(Per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 36g (great for muscle building and repair)
- Fat: 14g (mostly from the healthy fats in butter)
- Carbohydrates: 1g (perfect for low-carb diets)
- Sodium: 650mg (adjust salt to your preference)
8. Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these delicious variations to keep things interesting:
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 2 tablespoons lemon juice for a bright, citrusy twist
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: Include ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat lovers
- Herb Garlic Butter Chicken: Mix in 1 teaspoon each of fresh thyme and rosemary for an herby aroma
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for an ultra-rich sauce
- Mushroom Garlic Butter Chicken: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the garlic for earthy depth
For dessert inspiration after your garlic butter chicken feast, browse our dessert recipes!
9. Conclusion
This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors when prepared with care. In just 20 minutes, you can transform basic chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. The rich garlic butter sauce elevates the chicken to new heights, while the quick preparation makes it perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this foolproof recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. For more cooking inspiration, learn about our recipe philosophy or if you’re interested in working with us, we’d love to hear from you! And if you want to explore another version of this classic dish, check out this garlic butter chicken recipe from our friends across the pond. Try it tonight and taste the magic of garlic butter perfection!
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Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken in just 20 minutes! Perfectly seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce make for an irresistible weeknight dinner that’s both simple and elegant. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish will become your new go-to chicken recipe.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for brightness)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting occasionally with the garlic butter.
- Remove chicken from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish with parsley and lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- Pound thicker chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking
- Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking
- For extra flavor, try adding Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280 Kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
