If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner with minimal ingredients, this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is your new go-to. Made with juicy pan-seared chicken breasts, melted butter, fresh garlic, and a blend of herbs, it comes together in just 20 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a reliable protein-packed meal in a flash.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Juicy, flavorful chicken every time
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners
- Pairs with rice, pasta, salad, or veggies
- Family-friendly and gluten-free
Garlic Butter Chicken – Easy 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each)2 teaspoons sea salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper1/2 teaspoon dried thyme1/2 teaspoon dried oregano1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary1/2 teaspoon dried parsley1 tablespoon olive oil3 tablespoons unsalted butter1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth5 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with sea salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and parsley.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in a single layer and sear for 4–8 minutes per side, until golden brown and just cooked through. If it browns too quickly, reduce heat to medium. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.In the same skillet, add butter and chicken broth. As the butter melts, scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze and collect all the flavorful bits.Reduce heat to low. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.Return the chicken breasts to the pan. Flip to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Heat for 1–2 minutes, just until warm.Serve immediately with pan juices spooned over the top. Great with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or pasta.
Notes
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each)
2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
5 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with sea salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and parsley.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in a single layer and sear for 4–8 minutes per side, until golden brown and just cooked through. If it browns too quickly, reduce heat to medium. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
In the same skillet, add butter and chicken broth. As the butter melts, scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze and collect all the flavorful bits.
Reduce heat to low. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Return the chicken breasts to the pan. Flip to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Heat for 1–2 minutes, just until warm.
Serve immediately with pan juices spooned over the top. Great with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or pasta.
Tips & Tricks
Pound the chicken breasts evenly for quicker and even cooking
Use fresh herbs if available for extra flavor
Add a splash of lemon juice or white wine (non-alcoholic) for a brighter sauce
Turn this into a creamy garlic chicken by adding a splash of heavy cream after the garlic
Slice and serve over rice, pasta, or salad for a lighter meal
Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, low carb
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or butter for best results.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great — just adjust cooking time slightly.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely. Freeze in a sealed container with sauce for up to 2 months.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use vegan butter or omit and increase the olive oil slightly.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist.
Similar Recipes
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet
Tuscan Chicken with Spinach
Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Thighs
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — easy, fast, flavorful, and versatile. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a guaranteed family favorite you’ll come back to again and again.