Garlic Butter Chicken (Easy 30 Minute Dinner Recipe)

By Karyl Laeving. Updated April 1, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 887 votes

Golden, juicy chicken bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce that melts into every bite. This Garlic Butter Chicken is your new go-to weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together in just 30 minutes.

About This Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken is a one-pan skillet dish that combines seared chicken with a velvety garlic-infused butter sauce. It is simple, deeply flavorful, and perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.

Why It Works

The magic comes from layering flavors. First, the chicken is seared until golden, locking in juices. Then garlic is gently cooked in butter to release its aroma without burning. Finally, a splash of broth and lemon balances richness with brightness.

When to Make It

This is your weeknight hero. It is quick enough for busy evenings but elegant enough for guests. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love It

• Ready in just 30 minutes
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• One pan means easy cleanup
• Rich, buttery, restaurant-quality flavor
• Family-friendly and customizable

Key Ingredients & Notes

Chicken

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

• 2 large chicken breasts about 1 lb 450 g
• or 4 chicken thighs about 1 lb 450 g

Thighs give more flavor and stay extra juicy. Breasts are leaner and cook faster.

Butter

• 4 tbsp 57 g unsalted butter

Butter creates the luxurious sauce. Unsalted lets you control seasoning.

Garlic

• 5 cloves garlic minced

Fresh garlic is essential here. Pre-minced will not deliver the same depth. Learn more about garlic flavor development from garlic cooking science on Healthline.

Chicken Broth

• ½ cup 120 ml

Adds depth and creates a silky sauce base. Use low sodium for better control.

Lemon Juice

• 1 tbsp 15 ml

Balances the richness and lifts the entire dish.

Olive Oil

• 1 tbsp 15 ml

Prevents butter from burning during searing.

Seasoning

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh Parsley

• 2 tbsp chopped

Adds freshness and color.

Want more flavor-packed dinners like this? Try this creamy garlic chicken recipe from Flavor and Recipes.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chicken and cook:

• 5 to 6 minutes per side
• Until golden brown
• Internal temperature reaches 165°F 74°C

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Base

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining butter.

Add minced garlic and sauté:

• 30 to 60 seconds
• Until fragrant, not browned

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice.

Simmer:

• 2 to 3 minutes
• Until slightly reduced

Step 5: Bring It Together

Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over the top.

Cook:

• 3 to 5 minutes
• Until chicken is fully coated and heated through

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite side.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Always pat chicken dry before searing for better browning
2. Do not overcrowd the pan or the chicken will steam instead of sear
3. Keep garlic heat low to avoid bitterness
4. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness
5. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving
6. Deglaze the pan well to capture all flavor bits
7. Add a splash of cream if you want a richer sauce

For more skillet mastery tips, check out sautéing techniques from The Spruce Eats.

Variations & Substitutions

Dairy-Free Option

Use plant-based butter and a touch of olive oil for richness.

Add Vegetables

Stir in:

• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Green beans

Creamy Version

Add:

• ¼ cup 60 ml heavy cream

Spicy Twist

Add:

• Red pepper flakes
• or chili paste

Low-Carb Pairing

Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. You can explore low-carb meal ideas on BBC Good Food.

Love easy skillet meals? You will enjoy this one-pan chicken dinner guide from Flavor and Recipes.

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Rice
• Pasta
• Crusty bread to soak up sauce

Or pair with a fresh salad like this light chicken salad recipe from Flavor and Recipes.

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

Shelf Life

Best enjoyed fresh but reheats beautifully.

Garlic Butter Chicken (Easy 30 Minute Dinner Recipe)

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• Author: Chloe Harper
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken cooked in one pan with a rich, flavorful sauce ready in just 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 chicken breasts (1 lb / 450 g)

4 tbsp butter (57 g)

5 garlic cloves minced

1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)

1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)

1 tbsp lemon juice (15 ml)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp parsley chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt pepper and Italian seasoning

2. Heat oil and butter then sear chicken 5 to 6 minutes per side

3. Remove chicken and set aside

4. Add garlic and cook until fragrant

5. Pour in broth and lemon juice simmer 2 to 3 minutes

6. Return chicken and spoon sauce over

7. Cook until internal temp reaches 165F or 74C

8. Garnish with parsley and serve

Notes

Do not burn garlic

Use thighs for juicier results

Add cream for richer sauce

Serve immediately for best texture

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken is everything you want in a quick dinner. It is rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you get bold flavor and satisfying texture every time.

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