Ingredients
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
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Notes
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.