What the heck is this?
It’s juicy, pan-seared chicken bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s straight-up addictive. We’re talking crispy-edged, tender chicken with a golden, buttery glaze that clings to every bite. This is comfort food made fancy-ish—with very little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor
– One skillet = less mess
– Ready in 30 minutes or less
– Perfect with pasta, rice, or straight from the pan
– Seriously tastes like restaurant-quality food
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the chicken:
– 1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, pounded to even thickness
– Salt & pepper
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or just oregano + thyme)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the garlic butter sauce:
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 5–6 garlic cloves, minced (don’t skimp)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine for a little zhuzh)
– Juice of 1/2 lemon
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Season and Sear
Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 2: Make That Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter. Once melted, stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!). Add broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits.
Step 3: Simmer and Combine
Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon that garlic-butter goodness all over it. Cook for another 2 minutes to let everything mingle.
Step 4: Serve and Brag
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
Serving Suggestions
– Over linguine or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce
– With roasted green beans or steamed broccoli
– Spoon leftovers into a sandwich roll for a killer garlic chicken sub
Switch It Up
– Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for a veggie boost
– Use ghee or dairy-free butter for a lactose-free version
– Swap lemon for a splash of white wine if you’re feeling bougie
Make-Ahead Tips
– Chicken can be cooked and stored up to 3 days in the fridge
– Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stove
– Great for meal prep—just keep the sauce separate until serving
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Just pound them to even thickness so they cook evenly.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little cayenne to the sauce—go wild.
Q: What’s the best skillet for this?
A: A cast iron or stainless steel skillet works great for getting that golden sear.
Garlic Butter Chicken: Weeknight Dinner Hero
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
It’s juicy, pan-seared chicken bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s straight-up addictive. We’re talking crispy-edged, tender chicken with a golden, buttery glaze that clings to every bite. This is comfort food made fancy-ish—with very little effort.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
– 1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, pounded to even thickness
– Salt & pepper
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or just oregano + thyme)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the garlic butter sauce:
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 5–6 garlic cloves, minced (don’t skimp)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine for a little zhuzh)
– Juice of 1/2 lemon
– Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear
Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 2: Make That Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter. Once melted, stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!). Add broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits.
Step 3: Simmer and Combine
Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon that garlic-butter goodness all over it. Cook for another 2 minutes to let everything mingle.
Step 4: Serve and Brag
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
Notes
Over linguine or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce
– With roasted green beans or steamed broccoli
– Spoon leftovers into a sandwich roll for a killer garlic chicken sub
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 32g