Easy Garlic Butter Chicken (Breast or Thighs)

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This Garlic Butter Chicken is an easy skillet chicken recipe that proves simple ingredients still make the best dinners. Seared in a hot cast-iron skillet and finished in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley and pantry spices — no canned soup in sight — this tender chicken and sauce come together in one pan with minimal fuss.

This 25-minute recipe has simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights! This chicken entree pairs well with all kinds of sides, from Cheesy Mashed Potatoes casserole, to steamed veggies, or pasta!

If you love this easy chicken dinner, try this Apricot Chicken Recipe next time.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken | This simple recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs.
• Salt and pepper | Season the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper. Freshly ground black pepper is best.
• Dried herbs | Bring more flavor to the chicken with dried oregano and thyme.
• Olive oil | Use olive oil to cook the chicken breasts or thighs.

• Broth | Chicken broth will help deglaze the pan and boost the sauce’s flavor.
• Butter | Unsalted butter will be the base of the garlic sauce.
• Garlic | Mince fresh garlic cloves for the savory butter sauce.
• Fresh parsley | If you’d like, chop fresh Italian parsley for a lovely garnish.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken Seasoning. Use your favorite Italian seasoning blend instead of the dried herbs, if preferred.
• Steak and Pork. The garlic butter sauce is also delicious on other meats, like steak and pork!
• Veggie Sauce. It’s also a tasty way to add flavor to roasted or steamed vegetables.
• Add Heat. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for a kick!
• Freshly minced or pressed garlic is best in this recipe. If you don’t have any, substitute one teaspoon of garlic powder (or more if desired) in the sauce.
• Replace the broth with dry white wine to deglaze the pan and add a flavor twist.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Today’s easy chicken dinner is not your ordinary piece of chicken — it pleases the picky eaters while satisfying more sophisticated palates.

SEASON THE CHICKEN. First, let’s get the chicken properly seasoned. In a shallow bowl, sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme on top of the chicken and toss to coat it evenly.

SEAR THE CHICKEN. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook, without disturbing, for 3-4 minutes. Then turn the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

MAKE THE PAN SAUCE. Remove the chicken to a clean plate. Next, pour the chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze the bottom of the pan, allowing it to sizzle for a few minutes. Melt the butter, add the fresh minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

FINISH, GARNISH, AND SERVE. Return the chicken to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to ensure the chicken is well coated with the savory garlic butter sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

For more hit recipes with incredible sauces, try these Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin Medallions With Mushroom Sauce, my family-friendly Chicken Meatballs with Honey Garlic Sauce, and this Pumpkin Pasta Sauce with Mushrooms and Sage, perfect for fall!

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: Heat the recipe on the stovetop in a skillet with butter or olive oil, or microwave it in short bursts. You can also heat the leftovers in the oven at 350°F while covered with aluminum foil to prevent the meat from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic butter chicken goes well with various side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed or roasted vegetables (like carrots, green beans, or broccoli) roasted baby potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.