If you’re looking for a quick yet mouth watering dinner option, garlic butter chicken is a go-to recipe that never fails. It’s simple, flavorful, and made with pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting but don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen.

When it comes to cooking, some recipes strike the perfect balance between simplicity and decadence. Garlic butter chicken is one of those gems. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for a dinner party yet is quick and easy enough for a hectic weeknight. What’s not to love about tender, golden chicken drenched in a rich, buttery garlic sauce?

This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich garlic butter sauce that will leave everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.

The secret to this dish is in its versatility. You can serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal, toss it with pasta for a hearty dinner, or pair it with steamed vegetables if you’re looking for something lighter. It’s no wonder this recipe has become a staple in so many households.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. The garlic butter sauce is luxuriously smooth, balancing the richness of butter with a tangy twist from the lemon. It’s a one-pan dish, which means minimal cleanup—a bonus for busy cooks. Plus, the customizable ingredients allow you to tweak the flavors to your preference.

Whether you’re hosting guests or feeding your family on a Tuesday night, this garlic butter chicken recipe is a sure winner. It pairs well with almost anything and is a timeless crowd-pleaser.

Garlic Butter Chicken

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Servings 2

Ingredients

For the chicken:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp olive oil
For the garlic butter sauce:
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
Cook the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the garlic butter sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Add Italian seasoning and lemon juice, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Combine:
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat the chicken and coat it in the sauce.
Serve:
Transfer the chicken to a plate, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

One of the best things about garlic butter chicken is how forgiving it is. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe doesn’t require any fancy skills or equipment. A single skillet and a handful of simple ingredients are all you need to create something truly delicious. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples—garlic, butter, chicken, and a few spices—which means you can whip this up without a last-minute grocery run.

What really elevates this dish is the garlic butter sauce. The rich, velvety texture and the aromatic blend of garlic and herbs create a flavor that feels indulgent but isn’t heavy. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon for a pop of brightness, and you’ve got a sauce that’s good enough to eat with a spoon (though it’s best enjoyed soaking into the chicken or drizzled over a side dish).

If you’re anything like me, quick meals that don’t skimp on flavor are lifesavers during the week. Garlic butter chicken checks all the boxes—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for pairing with whatever you have on hand. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe, which means fewer dishes to wash (and who doesn’t love that?).

So the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give this garlic butter chicken a try. It’s a crowd-pleaser that might just earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!

Let me know how you like to serve your garlic butter chicken in the comments below.