There’s something magical about the combination of garlic and butter, and when you add chicken to the mix, you’ve got yourself a winner. I’ve been making this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe for years, and it never fails to impress – whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or when guests come over. The best part? It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, and the results are absolutely restaurant-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular. The chicken turns out incredibly tender, while the garlic butter sauce is rich and velvety without being heavy. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing while it’s cooking!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and fresh black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pro Tip: If your chicken breasts are thick, butterfly them or pound them to even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Instructions
- Season your chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s melted and bubbling, add your chicken.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant – watch carefully to prevent burning!
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Return chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to this Garlic Butter Chicken’s success lies in its cooking method. By searing the chicken first, we lock in the juices and create a beautiful golden crust. Then, making the sauce in the same pan means we capture all those delicious browned bits (that’s flavor gold!). The butter-based sauce keeps the chicken moist while adding richness, and the garlic adds depth without overpowering.
My family requests this dish at least once a week, and leftovers (if there are any) are fantastic sliced over a salad or in a sandwich. I usually serve it with rice or roasted potatoes to soak up all that amazing sauce, and a side of steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 tablespoons butter divided
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and fresh black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Season your chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's melted and bubbling, add your chicken.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Return chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
