Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a fast, flavorful dish featuring juicy pan-seared chicken bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s made with simple pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes. The golden, crispy edges and savory garlic flavor make it an instant favorite for any meal.

ingredients

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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

boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighsgarlic (minced)butterolive oilsaltblack pepperpaprikaitalian seasoningfresh parsley (chopped)optional: lemon juice or red pepper flakes for extra flavor

directions

Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken to the pan and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter to the skillet.

Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).

Optional: stir in a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra brightness or heat.

Return chicken to the pan and spoon garlic butter sauce over the top.

Cook for another minute to coat and heat through.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 20 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs for extra juicy results.

Add mushrooms or spinach to the pan after searing the chicken.

Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the sauce.

Add a touch of cream for a creamier garlic butter version.

Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun or smoked paprika for a flavor twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.Add a bit of butter or water if needed to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just thaw it completely before cooking.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.

What’s the best butter to use?

Unsalted butter is ideal so you can control the salt level.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, then finish with garlic butter sauce in a pan.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, green beans, asparagus, or zucchini cook quickly and go well.

Do I have to use lemon juice?

No, but it adds a nice brightness to balance the richness.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely—it’s great over sides too.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes, it reheats well and pairs with many grains and veggies.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all seasonings are gluten-free.

What can I serve with it?

Rice, roasted potatoes, salad, or steamed vegetables work great.

Conclusion

Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a crave-worthy dish you can whip up anytime with minimal effort. With its golden sear, rich buttery garlic flavor, and quick cook time, it’s perfect for weeknights and special occasions alike. Simple, delicious, and endlessly versatile—it’s a recipe you’ll come back to over and over again.