Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe (One Pan & Flavorful)

Imagine tender chicken bathing in a golden pool of garlic-infused butter, its aroma teasing your senses before the first bite even hits your tongue. This garlic butter chicken isn’t just another recipe—it’s your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup. Perfectly seared chicken breasts simmer in a luxurious sauce that transforms pantry staples into pure magic. Best of all? Everything cooks in one pan while you focus on what really matters—unwinding after a long day or catching up with loved ones around the table.

Ingredients List

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ⅓ cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt & pepper to taste

Timing

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Season & Sear: Pat chicken dry and season with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Melt 2 tbsp butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to plate.

• Create the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic, sautéing 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze pan, scraping up browned bits with wooden spoon.

• Simmer & Finish: Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice. Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over pieces. Simmer 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally. Garnish with parsley.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Crispy Skin Option: Use chicken thighs with skin for extra texture—sear skin-side down first

• Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and olive oil for butter

• Flavor Boosters: Add 1 tsp rosemary or thyme with garlic

• Make Ahead: Sauce stores refrigerated for 3 days. Reheat gently before adding cooked chicken

Serving Suggestions

Serve this garlic chicken, butter chicken skillet, easy chicken dinner immediately after cooking for maximum juiciness. Pair with:

• Fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the garlic butter sauce

• Crisp-tender green beans or asparagus

• Crusty bread for mopping up every last drop

• A light Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to cut through the richness

FAQs Section

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Thaw completely first. Frozen chicken releases moisture, preventing proper searing.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
A: Keep heat at medium and avoid boiling once cream is added.

Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: Substitute with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk with a teaspoon of cornstarch.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
A> Yes! Mushrooms or spinach added with the garlic cook perfectly in this timeframe.

Why This Recipe Earns Permanent Spot in Your Rotation

In thirty minutes flat, you’ve created elegance from everyday ingredients—proof that garlic chicken, butter chicken skillet, easy chicken dinner concepts can coexist gloriously. The chicken stays remarkably juicy thanks to the dual cooking method (searing + simmering), while the pan sauce achieves restaurant complexity with home kitchen simplicity. One bite of this buttery, garlicky perfection, and you’ll understand why this dish converts skeptics into believers. The only thing better than how it tastes? Washing just one pan afterward. Give it a try tonight—your future self will thank you.