Hey y’all! Craving something tender, packed with flavor, and easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests? This Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken checks all the boxes! With its succulent texture, rich buttery sauce, and delightful garlicky aroma, this recipe is a deliciously simple way to wow your taste buds. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, you’ll fall in love with every bite. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Super moist and juicy Chicken every time.
- Rich, savory garlic butter sauce that’s downright irresistible.
- Quick and easy – ready in just 30 minutes!
- Perfect for meal prep or a fast weeknight dinner.
- Minimal ingredients but loads of flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lemon
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
- Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden-brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—don’t let it brown!
- Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), lemon juice, and half the parsley. Cook for another 1 minute.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Return chicken (and any juices) to skillet. Spoon hot garlic butter sauce all over the chicken. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to coat and heat through.
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Notes
- For extra juiciness, pound chicken breasts to even thickness before cooking.
- Use freshly minced garlic for the boldest flavor – jarred garlic just isn’t the same here.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine after searing to add even more flavor to the sauce.
Variations
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream after the garlic for a rich, creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Garlic Chicken: Sprinkle ⅓ cup grated Parmesan over chicken before serving.
- Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken: Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning and add extra red pepper flakes.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet (preferably nonstick or cast iron)
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Instant-read thermometer
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain juiciness. Not recommended for freezing due to texture changes.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve over fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or cooked rice to soak up the garlicky butter sauce.
- Pair with crisp-steamed green beans, asparagus, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Pro Tips
- Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking for maximum juiciness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if necessary for proper searing.
- Add lemon zest with the juice for an extra burst of brightness in the sauce.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and stay extra juicy—just adjust cooking time as needed.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with your favorite non-dairy buttery spread.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
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1Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Stir in Italian herbs and lemon juice. Cook for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
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5Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning garlic butter sauce over them. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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6Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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