Say hello to your new weeknight favorite: Garlic Butter Chicken! This dish is pure comfort food magic — juicy, tender chicken cooked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You only need one pan and less than half an hour to get this on the table. Perfect for busy nights when you still want something seriously satisfying.
Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: Garlic and butter are a match made in heaven. Together with a few simple seasonings, they turn humble chicken into a flavorful masterpiece.
Family-Friendly: It’s mild, buttery, and comforting — even picky eaters will clean their plates.
Versatile: Serve it with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even on a salad. It goes with everything!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible garlic butter chicken, and why each ingredient matters:

Chicken breasts or thighs: Use boneless, skinless pieces for quick, even cooking. Thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work beautifully too.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out its natural flavor.
Garlic: The star of the show. Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce its deep, savory aroma.
Butter: Unsalted is best so you can control the salt level. Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection without burning the butter.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and color — optional, but a nice touch.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and builds a flavorful base for the sauce. You can substitute with white wine for extra depth.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color right before serving.

Variations

Feel like switching things up? Try these simple twists:

Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a luscious, creamy garlic butter sauce.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a bit of zest to brighten up the sauce.
Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you want a little heat.
Herb Boost: Mix in some chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for extra fragrance.
Mushroom Garlic Butter Chicken: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the butter before adding the chicken for a savory, earthy variation.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. This helps the chicken brown nicely and stay juicy.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium, add the butter to the same skillet, and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant — don’t let it burn!

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor.

Step 5: Return the Chicken

Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another minute or two so the flavors can meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t crowd the pan: Give the chicken space to sear so it gets that lovely golden crust.
Watch the garlic: It cooks fast — once it turns golden, it’s ready. Burnt garlic can turn the whole sauce bitter.
Use a meat thermometer: Chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches 165°F internally. No guesswork needed!
Deglaze smartly: Don’t skip deglazing — those brown bits are pure flavor gold.

How to Serve

This Garlic Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile and goes with just about anything. Some favorite pairings include:

Over starches:

Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up all that garlicky butter.
Steamed rice or buttery noodles for a simple but satisfying base.

With veggies:

Roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad keep things fresh and balanced.

Bread lovers, rejoice:

Serve with crusty bread to mop up every drop of that sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly but will loosen up when reheated.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken (with sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist. The microwave works too — just cover and heat in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time — bone-in pieces take longer to cook through. Sear them until golden, then finish in the oven at 375°F until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just double-check your chicken broth and seasoning blends to be sure they’re certified gluten-free.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
You can, but fresh garlic gives this dish its signature flavor. If you must substitute, use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, but expect a milder taste.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?
White wine is a lovely swap for a more elegant touch. You can also use vegetable broth or even a splash of water in a pinch — just season accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those magical recipes that feels like a treat but comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding the family or just craving something cozy and delicious after a long day, this one’s a total keeper. Grab your skillet and give it a try — you won’t be disappointed.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe