Quick Easy Dinner Garlic Butter Chicken

Name: Quick Easy Dinner Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Simple & Speedy

I love how this Quick Easy Dinner Garlic Butter Chicken brings a touch of gourmet to a weeknight meal without all the fuss. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I enjoy the way the garlic and butter create a rich, savory sauce that perfectly coats the tender chicken. It's one of those recipes that feels indulgent but can easily be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a side of veggies or rice, allowing us to balance flavor and nutrition effortlessly.

Created by

Brittany Shaw

Last updated on 2026-02-27T20:46:35.664Z

When I first tried making garlic butter chicken, I wasn't sure how straightforward it would be, but I was pleasantly surprised by the results! The combination of garlic and butter creates an incredibly flavorful sauce that elevates the dish without complicating the process.

One tip I can share is to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This simple step locks in the juices, ensuring every bite is as juicy and tender as possible. Trust me, it really makes a difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick cooking time that fits perfectly into busy schedules
Garlic and butter create a rich sauce that you'll crave
Versatile enough to pair with various sides or serve on its own

Perfect Chicken Texture

Achieving the perfect texture for your chicken breasts is crucial to this dish’s success. Start by making sure your chicken is at an even thickness, which allows for uniform cooking. If necessary, use a meat mallet to pound the breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This ensures that the chicken cooks through evenly, avoiding undercooked, rubbery sections.

When cooking the chicken, keeping the skillet at a medium heat is essential. If it's too high, the chicken can brown too quickly while remaining raw inside. You want to aim for a golden brown exterior, and for this recipe, cooking for about 6-7 minutes on each side should achieve that. Use a digital meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Why Garlic and Butter Work Wonders

The combination of garlic and butter is not only classic but also creates an incredibly rich flavor profile that elevates the chicken. Garlic releases its oils into the butter, which then envelops the chicken in a glossy, savory sauce. It's important to sauté the garlic just until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes—to prevent a bitter taste from burning. If you find the garlic is browning too quickly, you can lower the heat to maintain its delicate flavor.

Butter plays a dual role here: it adds richness and helps to achieve that coveted glossy sauce. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can replace half the butter with olive oil, which still provides a fantastic flavor while reducing the overall fat content. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, potentially being less creamy.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your garlic butter chicken.

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Once you have everything ready, you're just minutes away from a delicious meal!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your garlic butter chicken.

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Combine

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious garlic butter chicken with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.

Customizing Your Garlic Butter Chicken

This garlic butter chicken is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your taste preferences. For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. Alternatively, a splash of lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish and balances the richness, giving it a fresh finish that pairs beautifully with the savory sauce.

You can also experiment with herbs beyond parsley. Fresh thyme or rosemary adds additional depth and complements the buttery flavor. Just be sure to add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to retain their vibrant flavors. Dried herbs can be added earlier, as they need time to release their flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, and you can make it ahead of time easily. After cooking, let the garlic butter chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce moist while warming.

If you want to freeze it, ensure it’s completely cooled, and place in a freezer-safe container. It should last up to 3 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Make sure to gently reheat to avoid drying out the chicken.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking for best results.

→ What are some good sides to serve with this dish?

Steamed vegetables, rice, or even a fresh salad complement it well.

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken thighs or even pork chops.

→ How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

You can reduce the amount of butter or substitute it with a healthy oil like olive oil.