Quick Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken
A fast and flavorful garlic butter chicken recipe ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Juicy, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 grams), pounded slightly for even cooking
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste (kosher salt recommended)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (60 ml)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm). Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Lay the chicken breasts in the pan carefully; cook without moving for 3 minutes, then flip and cook another 3 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Lower the heat to medium. Push the chicken to the side and add the butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant (but not browned).
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice if using, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken breasts, letting them soak up the flavors. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if needed to maintain a perfect sear. Let chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to lock in juices. Watch garlic closely to avoid burning. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter and olive oil with coconut oil. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 24
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, juicy chicken, weeknight meal, garlic chicken, buttery chicken