Garlic Butter Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Skillet Dinner)

If you’re searching for a dinner recipe that’s quick, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, Garlic Butter Chicken is the answer. This classic skillet dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, silky garlic butter sauce that tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant—but it comes together in just 20 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.

Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those rare recipes that checks all the boxes: fast enough for busy weeknights, elegant enough for family dinners, and versatile enough to pair with almost any side dish. The chicken is pan-seared until golden and juicy, then bathed in a glossy garlic butter sauce enhanced with a splash of white wine (or chicken broth). The result is savory, aromatic, and utterly comforting.

In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about making the best Garlic Butter Chicken at home—from ingredient tips and cooking techniques to variations, storage ideas, and serving suggestions. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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Why Garlic Butter Chicken Is a Weeknight Hero

There’s a reason Garlic Butter Chicken has become a staple in so many kitchens. It delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for hectic schedules and last-minute meal planning.

Here’s why this recipe works so well:

• Quick cooking time – Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish

• Minimal ingredients – Mostly pantry and fridge staples

• One-pan meal – Less cleanup, more convenience

• Crowd-pleasing flavor – Garlic and butter are universally loved

• Versatile – Serve it with pasta, rice, vegetables, or bread

Garlic Butter Chicken proves that simple food doesn’t have to be boring. With the right technique, a handful of ingredients can turn into something truly memorable.

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What Makes This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Special

While there are many versions of Garlic Butter Chicken, this one stands out for a few key reasons:

1. Properly seared chicken – Pounding the chicken to even thickness ensures fast, even cooking and a golden crust.

2. Deglazed pan sauce – White wine (or broth) lifts all the flavorful browned bits from the pan.

3. Balanced garlic flavor – The garlic is fragrant and savory, not bitter or overpowering.

4. Silky butter sauce – Just enough butter to coat the chicken without feeling greasy.

This Garlic Butter Chicken strikes the perfect balance between richness and freshness, making it a recipe you can enjoy regularly without feeling weighed down.

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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

One of the best things about Garlic Butter Chicken is how accessible the ingredients are. You likely have most of them on hand already.

Main Ingredients

• Olive oil – For searing the chicken and building flavor

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean, quick-cooking, and tender

• Seasoning (21 Salute or poultry seasoning) – Adds savory depth

• Kosher salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning

• White wine or chicken broth – Deglazes the pan and enhances flavor

• Unsalted butter – Creates a rich, glossy sauce

• Fresh garlic – The star ingredient

• Fresh parsley (optional) – Adds color and freshness

Each ingredient plays a specific role in building the flavor profile of this Garlic Butter Chicken, so it’s best not to skip or substitute too heavily unless noted.

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Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 large skillet (preferably stainless steel or cast iron)

• Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding chicken)

• Tongs or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

That’s it—no fancy tools required.

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How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This step is crucial for Garlic Butter Chicken because it ensures:

• Even cooking

• Faster cooking time

• Juicier chicken

Season both sides generously with poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts in a single layer.

Important tip: Do not move the chicken for the first 5 minutes. This allows a golden crust to form, which adds flavor and texture.

Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

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Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Reduce the heat slightly and carefully pour in the white wine (or chicken broth). As it bubbles, use a spatula to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where the flavor lives.

Let the liquid reduce for a few seconds to cook off any harsh alcohol notes.

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Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Be careful not to burn the garlic—burnt garlic can turn bitter and overpower the sauce.

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Step 5: Combine and Serve

Turn off the heat and return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce generously over the chicken, coating it completely.

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

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Helpful Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

• Pound evenly: This prevents dry edges and undercooked centers.

• Use a hot pan: A properly heated skillet creates better browning.

• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.

• Fresh garlic matters: Pre-minced garlic won’t give the same flavor.

• Adjust the sauce: Add extra butter if serving with pasta or rice.

These small details make a big difference in the final result.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Variations

Once you master the basic Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s easy to customize.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Add ¼–½ cup heavy cream after the garlic for a richer sauce.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Finish with fresh lemon juice and zest for brightness.

Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Swap breasts for boneless thighs for extra juiciness.

Herb Garlic Butter Chicken

Add thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the sauce.

Each variation keeps the heart of Garlic Butter Chicken intact while offering a new twist.

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Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides:

• Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes

• Steamed green beans or broccoli

• Buttered rice or pilaf

• Pasta (especially linguine or fettuccine)

• Roasted vegetables

• Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce

Because the sauce is so flavorful, simple sides work best.

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to prevent drying out.

Freezing

While possible, freezing is not ideal due to the butter sauce separating. If freezing, do so without the sauce and add fresh sauce after reheating.

Print

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 410 kcal

• Protein: 36 g

• Fat: 28 g

• Carbohydrates: 3 g

• Saturated Fat: 9 g

• Cholesterol: 115 mg

Garlic Butter Chicken is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it suitable for many eating styles.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs are juicier and work beautifully.

Is the wine necessary?
No. Chicken broth is a perfect alcohol-free substitute.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can replace butter with dairy-free butter or olive oil, though the flavor will change slightly.

Why did my garlic turn bitter?
It likely cooked too long or at too high a heat. Garlic only needs about 1 minute.

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Final Thoughts: Why Garlic Butter Chicken Belongs in Your Recipe Rotation

Garlic Butter Chicken is the kind of recipe every home cook needs in their back pocket. It’s fast enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and comforting enough to become a regular family favorite. With its golden-seared chicken and luxurious garlic butter sauce, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

What truly sets this Garlic Butter Chicken apart is its versatility. You can dress it up with wine and herbs for a dinner party or keep it simple for a quiet night at home. It pairs effortlessly with everything from pasta to vegetables, making it adaptable to whatever you have on hand.