Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is your new go-to for weeknight magic! It delivers juicy, tender chicken smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce with just the right touch of herbs. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a crave-worthy dish that feels like something from your favorite bistro—without the fuss or the mess. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole crew, this recipe hits that perfect balance of comforting, flavorful, and unbelievably simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Fuss-Free: Ready in just 25-30 minutes with minimal prep. Perfect for busy evenings when takeout is tempting, but home-cooked is better.
• Flavor-Packed: The garlic butter combo creates a savory, golden sauce that coats the chicken beautifully—it’s rich without being heavy.
• Family-Friendly: Mild yet full of flavor, it’s a dish both kids and adults will happily devour.
• Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, or veggies—it works with almost anything you’ve got on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these basics for a quick culinary win:

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless for quicker cooking. Thighs give a juicier result, while breasts are leaner.
• Butter: The heart of the sauce—use unsalted to control the saltiness, and go for high-quality butter if you can.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential here. Don’t skimp—it’s the star of the show.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken for a golden crust without burning the butter.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and color. Smoked paprika works if you want a deeper flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Season generously to bring out the natural flavors.
• Italian seasoning: Just a sprinkle for that herby background note. Optional, but highly recommended.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and color before serving.

Variations

Feeling adventurous or need to make a swap? Try these:

• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream after the garlic butter simmers for a richer, more indulgent sauce.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: Add fresh lemon juice and zest for a brighter, zippier flavor.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce will wake up the flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower mash or sautéed greens instead of pasta or rice.

How to Make Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and a bit of Italian seasoning. This step helps the chicken sear beautifully and stay flavorful all the way through.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

In a large skillet, heat a mix of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the rest of the butter. Toss in the garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Let it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes to soak up all that garlicky goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed—overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken should reach 165°F internally for perfect doneness without drying out.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After searing, give it a few minutes to rest before slicing—it helps retain those flavorful juices.
• Deglaze the Pan: For an extra layer of flavor, splash a bit of chicken broth or white wine into the pan after cooking the garlic to scrape up the golden bits.

How to Serve

This chicken is super versatile—here are some of the best ways to plate it:

With Carbs:

Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up all that luscious sauce.

Low-Carb Style:

Pair with steamed broccoli, zucchini noodles, or a crisp green salad.

Bread It Up:

A chunk of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the buttery sauce—don’t let a drop go to waste!

Dress It Up:

Add a side of roasted veggies or a light vinaigrette salad to round out your plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken but will loosen up nicely when reheated.

Freezing

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

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. Microwave works too, but watch it closely to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless for the fastest prep.

How much garlic should I use?
If you love garlic, don’t hold back—4 to 6 cloves is a great range. If you’re sensitive to strong garlic flavor, start with 2 to 3 cloves and adjust to taste.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for a good plant-based butter alternative. It won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll still get a lovely garlic sauce.

What’s the best side to serve with this?
Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, garlic noodles, or a fresh garden salad all work beautifully. Anything that complements the buttery sauce will shine.

Final Thoughts

This Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a true weeknight hero—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in regular rotation because it just works. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy solo dinner, this dish delivers comfort and flavor with zero stress. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!

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