Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful, juicy dish that comes together in just 20 minutes! Seared to perfection and smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce, this simple yet elegant chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving with your favorite sides. It’s buttery, garlicky, and absolutely mouthwatering.

ingredients

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe 10 Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful, juicy dish that comes together in just 20 minutes! Seared to perfection and smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce, this simple yet elegant chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving with your favorite sides. It’s buttery, garlicky, and absolutely mouthwatering.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighssaltblack pepperpaprikagarlic powderolive oilunsalted buttergarlic (minced)chicken broth or waterlemon juice (optional)fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth or a splash of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.

Return chicken to the skillet, spoon the garlic butter over the top, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, then garnish with chopped parsley.

Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or vegetables.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Stir in cream for a creamy garlic butter sauce.

Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.

Top with parmesan cheese for extra richness.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

What type of butter is best?

Unsalted butter allows you to better control the seasoning.

Can I bake this instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then spoon garlic butter over before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely—store and reheat for a quick protein-packed meal.

What sides pair well?

Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, steamed veggies, or salad.

How do I keep the chicken moist?

Don’t overcook and use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temp.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh?

Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.

Is lemon necessary?

Optional, but adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the butter.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes! Just add more butter, garlic, and broth to make extra for drizzling.

Conclusion

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect go-to recipe when you need something fast, flavorful, and totally satisfying. With juicy chicken and a rich, garlicky butter sauce, it’s simple to make and endlessly versatile—an instant weeknight favorite!