Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights! It’s rich, savory, and bursting with garlicky flavor, all while being ridiculously simple to prepare. Juicy, golden chicken cooked in a silky garlic butter sauce with just a few pantry staples—this dish delivers gourmet-level flavor in under 30 minutes, no fuss involved. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this recipe is your weeknight secret weapon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Fuss-Free: Ready in under half an hour, this recipe is perfect for those evenings when time is tight but you still want something truly satisfying.
• Flavor-Packed: Garlic and butter are a match made in heaven, and this dish proves it with every single bite. It’s buttery, garlicky, and totally irresistible.
• Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a long shopping list—just a handful of everyday ingredients you probably already have.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad. It’s endlessly adaptable!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this crave-worthy garlic butter chicken:

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken works best. Thighs bring more flavor and tenderness, but breasts are leaner—choose what you love.
• Butter: The hero of the sauce. It creates a rich base and helps achieve that gorgeous golden sear on the chicken.
• Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves, minced. The more, the better! It’s the backbone of the flavor here.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce and helps deglaze the pan.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken beautifully without burning the butter.
• Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of the sauce.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
• Paprika (optional): Adds a hint of smokiness and color. Totally optional, but highly recommended.

Variations

This dish is incredibly flexible—don’t be afraid to play around!

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy twist.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens everything up.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce if you like heat.
• Herb Swap: Use thyme, rosemary, or basil instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for a one-pan meal.

How to Make Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a bit of paprika if using. This gives it a great base flavor and helps the outside caramelize nicely.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a mix of butter and olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add more butter to the same skillet and toss in the minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant—don’t let it burn!

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in a splash of chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s where all the flavor lives!). Let it simmer for a minute or two.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish

Place the chicken back into the pan, spoon some of the sauce over the top, and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to soak in the flavor. Sprinkle with chopped parsley just before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure a good sear—crowding steams instead of sears.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Jarred garlic just won’t deliver the same bold flavor. Freshly minced is key here.
• Butter Matters: Use good quality butter—salted or unsalted, but make sure you adjust your seasoning accordingly.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After searing, give it a few minutes to rest before slicing—it helps retain juices.
• Deglazing is Essential: Those browned bits in the pan are pure flavor gold—don’t skip deglazing!

How to Serve

This garlic butter chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many sides:

###Starch Options:

• Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, white rice, or creamy polenta to soak up all that sauce.

###Pasta Lovers:

• Spoon the chicken and sauce over fettuccine, angel hair, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

###Fresh Sides:

• A simple green salad, roasted broccoli, or sautéed green beans are great for balance and color.

###Bread Lovers:

• Don’t forget crusty bread or garlic toast—you’re going to want to mop up every drop of that sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

###Storing Leftovers
Cool the chicken completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

###Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Freeze in a flat layer to make thawing easier.

###Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven doneness and dry chicken.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless thighs are incredibly flavorful and stay juicy, but breasts work wonderfully if you prefer leaner meat.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. You want that golden sear, not steamed chicken.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! The flavors are rich and mellow, with no spice unless you add it. Most kids love the buttery, garlicky goodness.

Final Thoughts

This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s flavorful, reliable, and endlessly flexible—everything you want in a weeknight dinner. If you’re craving something comforting and delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this one’s for you. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

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