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Home » Quick and Easy Recipes

GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN

Updated: May 4, 2026 · Published: Feb 27, 2025 by Sana Umer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Garlic Butter Chicken is a mouthwatering and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Imagine biting into a succulent chicken that is perfectly cooked and coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce that melts in your mouth.

This dish is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a special gathering with friends.

The combination of juicy chicken and the rich, savory sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving more.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create this delightful dish right in your own kitchen.

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish to impress your guests, Garlic Butter Chicken is sure to become a favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and Savory: The garlic butter sauce adds a delicious and comforting flavor to the chicken.

  • Tender and Juicy: The chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides, from potatoes to vegetables.

  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, special gatherings, or as a comforting meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
    Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

  • Heat the benefits of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  • Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
    In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

  • Add the minced health benefits of garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Stir in the dried thyme, dried parsley, and dried rosemary.

  • Step 3: Add the Chicken Broth
    Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.

  • Step 4: Return the Chicken to the Skillet
    Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top.

  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and fully coated in the sauce.

  • Step 5: Serve
    Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the Garlic Butter Chicken to a serving platter.

  • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Serving and Storage

Serving

Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

  • Freeze: To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a more robust and aromatic flavor to the sauce.

  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken breasts just until they are golden brown and cooked through to prevent dryness.

  • Customize the Herbs: Use your favorite herbs, such as basil or oregano, to add a personalized touch to the sauce.

  • Deglaze the Skillet: Add the chicken broth to the skillet to deglaze and capture all the flavorful bits from cooking the chicken.

Variations

  • Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the sauce for a bright and tangy flavor.

  • Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful option.

  • Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a rich and creamy twist.

  • Garlic Butter Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood version of this delicious dish.

FAQ

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted to ensure they are cooked through.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic over medium heat and keep a close eye on it, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Reheat the chicken in the sauce just before serving.

Can I use store-bought minced garlic?

Yes, but fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it further.

garlic butter chicken is a mouthwatering and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce.

The combination of juicy chicken and the rich, savory sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Customize the dish with your favorite herbs and ingredients, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal in every bite.

Make Garlic Butter Chicken a beloved addition to your recipe repertoire, and share the joy of this savory treat with your loved ones.

This recipe not only provides a delightful and satisfying meal but also brings a touch of creativity and fun to your cooking experience.

Whether you're enjoying it with family and friends or simply treating yourself, this chicken dish is the perfect way to savor the flavors of a homemade, comforting meal.

The ease of preparation and the delicious result make it a go-to recipe that you'll want to make again and again.

GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN

Sana Umer
Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish. Tender chicken is pan-seared and then smothered in a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner, and the delicious sauce makes it feel a bit more special.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 6-8 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or white wine
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for brightness

Instructions
 

  • Prepare chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.
  • Sear chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. A meat thermometer should register 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Make garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add broth and parsley: Stir in the chicken broth (or white wine) and chopped parsley. Add the lemon juice, if using. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  • Return chicken to skillet: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them with the garlic butter sauce.
  • Serve: Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken immediately, spooning the sauce over the chicken.

Notes

  • Chicken: You can use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for the flavor of this dish. Use plenty of it!
  • Butter: Use real butter for the best flavor.
  • Don't Burn Garlic: Burnt garlic will taste bitter. Keep the heat medium and watch it carefully.
  • Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a longer period of time to allow it to thicken. If it's too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water.
Keyword easy chicken recipe, flavorful chicken, Garlic butter chicken, pan-seared chicken, quick dinner

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About Sana Umer

I'm Sana Umer — the home cook behind every recipe on For Foodie Friends. I'm a Pakistani-American mom of two based in the US, and I've been cooking seriously for about a decade now, mostly because feeding a family every day is the fastest way to learn how to actually cook.

I'm completely self-taught. I learned by watching my mother in Pakistan, by burning a lot of food in my early years, and by paying attention to which recipes worked and which ones needed fixing. I don't specialize in just one cuisine — I cook the Pakistani dishes I grew up with, the American desserts my kids request, weeknight dinners, holiday roasts, and everything in between.

Every recipe is personally tested in my own kitchen, every word is written by me, and every photo is taken of food I actually made.

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Hi, I'm Sana Umer — the home cook, recipe tester, and writer behind For Foodie Friends.

I'm a Pakistani-American mom based in the US. I learned to cook in two kitchens — my mother's in Pakistan, where I grew up watching whole spices bloom in oil, and my own kitchen now, where I cook for my husband and kids.

Every recipe on this site has been tested in my own kitchen, often more times than I'd like to admit, before it ever made it here. I cook a little bit of everything: the Pakistani comfort food I grew up with, the American desserts my kids beg for, weeknight dinners that need to come together fast, and the holiday spreads that take all day.

If a recipe is on this site, it earned its place. No ghostwriters, no AI shortcuts, no copy-paste from somewhere else — just real recipes from a real kitchen, written to actually work the first time you make them.

Welcome to my corner of the internet.

— Sana

More about me →

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