Garlic Butter Chicken: A Quick & Flavorful Skillet Meal

If you’re looking for an easy, restaurant-quality chicken dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, this Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect recipe! Juicy, pan-seared chicken is coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with hints of fresh herbs and caramelized onions, making it a family-favorite dish that pairs well with anything.

This one-pan chicken dinner is ideal for busy weeknights but flavorful enough to serve on a special occasion. The garlic butter sauce is so good, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything!

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken

✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
✔ One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup, more flavor!
✔ Juicy & Flavorful – Perfectly pan-seared chicken with a rich, buttery sauce.
✔ Versatile Pairing – Goes great with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or veggies.
✔ Keto & Low-Carb Friendly – A great high-protein meal!

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The Best Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

This simple yet flavorful dish features golden-brown chicken bathed in a silky garlic butter sauce, with caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts (or boneless thighs)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (for searing)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ small onion, finely diced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a bright flavor)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

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2. Sear the Chicken

• Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/75°C).
• Remove from the pan and set aside.

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3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
• Add onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth (or wine) and let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley.

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4. Finish the Dish

• Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top.
• Let simmer for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Remove from heat and garnish with extra parsley.

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5. Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed veggies.
• Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the chicken for even more flavor!

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Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken

✅ Use room temperature chicken – Helps it cook evenly.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the pan – Sear the chicken in batches if needed.
✅ Deglaze with white wine – Adds extra depth to the sauce.
✅ Let the sauce reduce – This thickens the butter sauce for a richer flavor.
✅ Add cream for richness – Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a creamy garlic butter sauce.

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Variations & Customizations

Want to switch it up? Try these delicious variations!

1. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

🥛 Add ½ cup heavy cream to the sauce for an extra rich, creamy finish.

2. Lemon Herb Garlic Chicken

🍋 Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and fresh thyme for a brighter flavor.

3. Spicy Cajun Garlic Chicken

🔥 Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning and add extra red pepper flakes.

4. Garlic Butter Chicken & Mushrooms

🍄 Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra earthy flavor.

5. Parmesan Garlic Butter Chicken

🧀 Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy garlic butter twist.

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What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken

This dish pairs perfectly with so many sides! Here are some great options:

🥔 Mashed Potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.
🍚 Garlic Butter Rice – A simple, flavorful side.
🥖 Crusty Bread – Great for dipping into the sauce!
🥦 Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans – A fresh, healthy balance.
🍝 Pasta – Serve over spaghetti or fettuccine for a garlic butter chicken pasta.

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How to Store & Reheat

This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep!

Storing:

• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Freezing:

• Freeze chicken and sauce in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken is quick, easy, and full of bold flavors. The rich, buttery sauce with garlic, herbs, and caramelized onions makes every bite juicy and irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

🔥 Try it tonight and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home! 🔥

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