Garlic Butter Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Skillet Dinner)

Garlic Butter Chicken is one of those timeless recipes that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. Juicy chicken breasts, golden-seared to perfection, are finished in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a cozy family dinner, or an impromptu gathering with friends, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

What makes Garlic Butter Chicken so special is its balance: savory garlic, silky butter, tender chicken, and just enough acidity from white wine (or broth) to brighten everything up. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent without being heavy and satisfying without being complicated. Best of all, it’s ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a true hero in any home cook’s rotation.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about making the best Garlic Butter Chicken at home—from ingredient selection and technique tips to variations, serving ideas, storage advice, and common mistakes to avoid. This is not just a recipe; it’s a complete resource designed to help you master Garlic Butter Chicken every single time.

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Why Garlic Butter Chicken Is a Weeknight Favorite

Garlic Butter Chicken has earned its place as a staple in kitchens around the world, and for good reason. It checks every box that home cooks care about:

First, it’s incredibly fast. With just a few minutes of prep and a short cook time, you can have a full, satisfying meal on the table in less time than it takes to order takeout.

Second, it uses pantry-friendly ingredients. Olive oil, butter, garlic, seasoning, and chicken breasts are items most people already have on hand. Even the optional white wine can easily be swapped for chicken broth.

Third, it’s endlessly versatile. Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, or even a simple salad. You can dress it up for guests or keep it casual for family dinners.

Finally, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of butter and garlic creates a sauce that feels luxurious, while the properly seared chicken adds depth and texture. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, familiar, and deeply satisfying.

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What Makes This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Special

There are many Garlic Butter Chicken recipes out there, but this version stands out because it focuses on technique just as much as ingredients. Instead of drowning the chicken in sauce, this method builds flavor layer by layer directly in the skillet.

The chicken is first pounded to an even thickness, ensuring it cooks evenly and stays juicy. It’s then seared undisturbed, creating a golden crust that adds richness and texture. The skillet is deglazed with white wine or broth, capturing all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Butter and garlic are added at the end, allowing the garlic to bloom gently without burning.

The result is a silky garlic butter sauce that clings to the chicken rather than pooling at the bottom of the plate. Every bite is infused with flavor, and nothing tastes greasy or overpowering.

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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken (Detailed Breakdown)

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb flavor well. Pounding them to an even thickness prevents dry edges and undercooked centers. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer, juicier cut.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is used for searing because it can handle higher heat better than butter alone. It helps create that beautiful golden crust on the chicken.

Butter

Butter is the soul of Garlic Butter Chicken. Unsalted butter gives you full control over seasoning and creates a smooth, rich sauce. If you love extra sauce, feel free to add more.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is essential. Finely minced garlic releases its oils quickly and infuses the butter with deep, aromatic flavor. Avoid jarred garlic if possible—it lacks the same intensity.

White Wine or Chicken Broth

White wine adds acidity and complexity, balancing the richness of the butter. If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, chicken broth works beautifully and still creates a flavorful sauce.

Seasoning

A poultry seasoning or a blend like 21 Salute seasoning adds depth without overpowering the garlic butter. Salt and freshly ground black pepper round everything out.

Parsley (Optional)

Fresh parsley adds color and a touch of freshness, making the dish feel lighter and more vibrant.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This step is crucial—it ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy. Season both sides generously with poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

2. Heat the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that the chicken sizzles as soon as it hits the surface.

3. Sear the Chicken

Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes. This allows a golden crust to form. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

4. Rest the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest. This keeps it juicy while you prepare the sauce.

5. Deglaze the Pan

Carefully add white wine or chicken broth to the hot skillet. Let it bubble and steam, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds incredible depth of flavor.

6. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add the butter and stir until melted. Then add the minced garlic and cook briefly, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be aromatic, not browned.

7. Finish the Dish

Turn off the heat and return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken, coating each piece generously. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.

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Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken

• Even thickness matters: Pounding the chicken is the single most important step for juicy results.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing.

• Add garlic at the end: Garlic burns quickly. Adding it after the butter melts prevents bitterness.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and butter make a noticeable difference in flavor.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Variations

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier version that pairs beautifully with pasta.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Finish the dish with fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, citrusy twist.

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra juiciness and deeper flavor.

Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken

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

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What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some perfect pairings:

• Steamed white or brown rice

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Roasted vegetables (broccoli, green beans, asparagus)

• Buttered noodles or pasta

• Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

• A fresh green salad for balance

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 4 months.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 294 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 6 g

• Protein: 15 g

• Fat: 21 g

• Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Cholesterol: 63 mg

• Sodium: 2936 mg

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cooking chicken straight from the fridge (let it sit 10 minutes first)

• Burning the garlic

• Overcooking the chicken

• Skipping the resting step

• Using too much heat when finishing the sauce

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Final Thoughts: Why Garlic Butter Chicken Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Menu

Garlic Butter Chicken is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a reliable, comforting recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish you can make on autopilot after a long day, yet it still feels special enough to serve to guests.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and one skillet, you create layers of flavor that taste far more complex than the process suggests. The garlic butter sauce is rich without being heavy, the chicken stays juicy and tender, and the entire dish comes together in under 20 minutes.

Whether you’re a beginner cook looking for confidence in the kitchen or an experienced home chef searching for a dependable go-to meal, Garlic Butter Chicken checks every box. It’s versatile, customizable, family-friendly, and endlessly satisfying.