Indulge in a delicious garlic butter chicken dish perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick to make and tastes like a restaurant meal. You’ll need chicken cutlets, garlic butter sauce, and a few simple ingredients.
This recipe is easy to prepare and uses common items like chicken breasts, butter, garlic, and chicken broth. It’s great for those with little time to cook but want a tasty meal.

Key Takeaways
- Garlic butter chicken recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes
- Chicken is cooked on the stovetop, reducing cleanup time
- Recipe uses common ingredients found in the fridge and pantry
- Flexible preparation options with white wine or chicken broth
- Detailed cooking instructions ensure the best outcome
Why This Garlic Butter Chicken Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious chicken dinner for busy weeknights, this garlic butter chicken recipe is perfect. It takes only 20-30 minutes to prepare. This means you get restaurant-quality results without the hassle.
Time-Saving Benefits
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe. They cook fast and evenly, making them great for quick meals. Air-chilled chicken breasts also add more flavor and moisture to the dish.
One-Skillet Convenience
This garlic butter chicken recipe is cooked in one skillet. This means less cleanup for you. The creamy garlic butter sauce adds flavor without extra work.
Restaurant-Quality Results
This garlic butter chicken tastes like it’s from a restaurant. The mix of butter, garlic, and herbs creates a delicious flavor. You can serve it with different sides for a complete dinner.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
To make the best garlic butter chicken, start with the right ingredients. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets, unsalted butter, and minced garlic. Chicken broth and white wine (optional) help bring the flavors together.
For seasoning, use salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs like chives and parsley add color and aroma. To thicken the sauce, use flour or cornstarch.
Use a neutral oil like avocado oil to cook the chicken. This helps the chicken sear well and get a golden crust.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets | 1 – 1 1/2 pounds, diced |
Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
Minced fresh garlic | 3-4 cloves |
Chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
White wine (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
All-purpose flour or cornstarch | 1-2 tablespoons |
Avocado oil or other neutral oil | 2 tablespoons |
Chopped fresh parsley (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a tasty garlic butter chicken dish. It’s sure to impress your guests.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the tasty chicken dinner recipe, you’ll need some key kitchen tools. A large, strong skillet or frying pan is essential. Cast iron or non-stick pans are best for even heat and great searing on the chicken.
Recommended Skillet Types
- Cast-iron skillet
- Non-stick frying pan
Additional Kitchen Tools
- Sharp knife for cutting the chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portioning
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for stirring and flipping the chicken
- Aluminum foil for tenting the cooked chicken to keep it warm and juicy
Measuring Equipment
A meat thermometer is also highly recommended. It ensures the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This makes your chicken dinner perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
With these tools and equipment ready, you’re set to make a delicious easy dinner ideas. It will surely impress your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Make the garlic butter chicken easily by following this guide. Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. For a crispy texture, lightly flour the chicken before cooking.
Next, melt butter and oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. This will give it a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken and keep it warm while you make the garlic butter sauce.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about a minute, letting its smell fill the air.
- Scrape the bottom of the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth to deglaze it.
- Add the rest of the butter and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Let the sauce thicken a bit.
- Put the seared chicken back in the pan and coat it with the garlic butter sauce.
Serve the garlic butter chicken right away. Add extra parsley and black pepper on top. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, like roasted potatoes or a green salad, for a full and tasty easy dinner idea.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1 ½ pounds (680 g) |
All-purpose flour | ½ cup (63 g) |
Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon |
Salted butter, divided | 4 tablespoons (56 g) |
Chicken broth | 1 cup (236 ⅗ ml) |
Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
Minced garlic | 1 tablespoon |
Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
Dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh) | ½ teaspoon |
Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon |
Heavy cream or half and half | 1 cup (237 ml) |
Thinly sliced garlic | 5 cloves |
Chopped parsley (for garnish) | 2 tablespoons |
Black pepper (for garnish) | – |
Lemon wedges (for garnish) | – |
Garlic Butter Chicken: Creating the Perfect Sauce
The secret to this butter garlic sauce is its perfect mix of ingredients. Use 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for every 4 tablespoons of butter. This mix gives a strong garlic taste and a smooth, creamy texture that wraps around the flavor-packed chicken perfectly.
To make the sauce thicker and creamier, you have a couple of choices. You can mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 cup of chicken stock to create a slurry. Then, slowly whisk it into the sauce until it’s just right. Or, you can simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes to let it thicken and intensify the flavors.
Wine and Broth Options
Adding a bit of white wine can add depth and complexity to the sauce. About 1/4 cup of dry white wine will also deglaze the pan, adding its own aromatic notes. If you don’t want to use wine, just add another 1/4 cup of garlic lover recipes-worthy chicken broth instead.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Unsalted Butter | 4 tablespoons |
Minced Garlic | 1 tablespoon |
Chicken Broth | 1 cup |
Dry White Wine | 1/4 cup |
Cornstarch | 2 teaspoons |
By using these simple steps, you’ll make a perfectly balanced, creamy, and flavorful butter garlic sauce. It will take your flavor-packed chicken to a whole new level.
Tips for Achieving Juicy, Tender Chicken
Getting juicy, tender chicken is key to a great chicken dinner. Here are some tips to make your chicken recipes perfect:
- Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked chicken gets dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s done, aiming for 165°F.
- Pound Chicken Breasts: Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly. This prevents dry spots.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This lets the juices spread evenly through the meat.
- Baste with Garlic Butter: Basting the chicken with garlic butter sauce keeps it moist. It also adds amazing flavor.
Follow these tips to get perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or trying new recipes, you’ll succeed.
Flavor Variations and Seasoning Options
Garlic lovers have endless options to make their chicken dishes even better. The basic garlic butter chicken recipe is already tasty. But, you can add your own twist by trying different herbs, spices, and ingredients.
Herb Combinations
Try adding herbs like rosemary and thyme or basil and oregano. These herbs will make the garlic butter sauce even more delicious. Your garlic lover recipes will become a flavor-packed chicken dish.
Spice Alternatives
Want a spicier version? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. These will give a nice heat that goes well with the garlic butter. Find the spice level that you like best.
You can also add lemon zest and juice for a fresh taste. Dijon mustard or Parmesan cheese can add more depth to the sauce. For a creamier sauce, add heavy cream. Try sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
This garlic lover recipes is all about trying new things. By mixing different flavors and seasonings, you can make a flavor-packed chicken dish that’s just right for you. Be adventurous in the kitchen and make your chicken recipes even more delicious.
Best Side Dish Pairings
When you serve a tasty chicken dinner, the right side dishes can make it even better. For a restaurant-quality easy dinner idea, pair the garlic butter chicken with some great side dishes.
Starchy foods like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta are great for soaking up the sauce. For a lighter option, try roasted broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Bread is also key. A crusty loaf or garlic bread pairs well with the garlic butter chicken. For a low-carb choice, serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
A simple side of steamed veggies can also be perfect. It lets the chicken dinner be the star while adding nutrition.
By trying different side dishes, you can make this easy dinner idea feel like a restaurant-quality meal. You can choose what you like and what fits your diet.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Enjoy the chicken dinner while it’s hot. But don’t worry if you have leftovers. This garlic butter chicken recipe is great for meal prepping or enjoying all week.
To store leftovers, put the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, you can warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add broth if needed to revive the sauce. Or, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
The garlic butter chicken also freezes well. Cool it completely, then put it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before using the skillet or microwave.
Storage Method | Maximum Duration |
---|---|
Refrigerator | 4 days |
Freezer | 3 months |
These easy storage and reheating tips let you enjoy this tasty chicken dinner long after the first meal. Have a delicious, easy dinner ideas ready whenever you want.
Conclusion
This garlic butter chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s easy to make and tastes great. You can make it in no time, and it’s a hit with everyone.
The recipe uses simple ingredients and takes little time to prepare. This means you can enjoy a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant, right in your own kitchen. The creamy garlic butter sauce makes the chicken breasts unforgettable.
Using pre-peeled garlic in vacuum-sealed pouches has made it easier to add flavor to dishes like this chicken dinner. It has a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating from 4 reviews. This shows that many people love this garlic butter chicken recipe.
If you’re looking for a comforting meal or something quick and tasty, this garlic butter chicken is a great choice. It only takes 30 minutes to make. The chicken is juicy, and the sauce is full of flavor, making it a special meal.
FAQ
What is the total cooking time for this garlic butter chicken recipe?
This recipe takes 30 minutes to cook. You’ll spend 25 minutes actively preparing it.
How many servings does this garlic butter chicken recipe yield?
You’ll get 4 servings of garlic butter chicken from this recipe.
What are the key ingredients in this garlic butter chicken recipe?
The main ingredients are boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets, and unsalted butter. You’ll also need minced garlic, chicken broth, and white wine (optional). Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
What type of skillet or pan is recommended for this recipe?
Use a large skillet or frying pan. Cast iron or non-stick pans work best.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender?
To keep chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F). Pound chicken breasts to even thickness or use cutlets for faster cooking. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing.
Can I add any flavor variations or seasoning options to this garlic butter chicken?
Yes, try different herbs like rosemary and thyme or basil and oregano. For spice, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Lemon zest and juice can also enhance the flavors.
What are some recommended side dish pairings for this garlic butter chicken?
Garlic butter chicken goes well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, and roasted broccoli. Green beans or a mixed salad also pair well. Crusty bread or garlic bread are great complements.
How long can I store leftovers of this garlic butter chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Print
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes
Indulge in this quick and easy garlic butter chicken recipe, ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a creamy garlic butter sauce, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets, diced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3–4 cloves minced garlic
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons white wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1–2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other neutral oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Lightly coat with flour or cornstarch for a crispy texture.
- Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden-brown. Remove and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth.
- Add remaining butter and fresh herbs. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating it in the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Substitute white wine with extra chicken broth if preferred.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg