Introduction
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s simple to prepare yet bursting with rich flavor, this garlic butter chicken skillet delivers exactly that. It uses everyday ingredients, cooks in one pan, and creates a deeply savory sauce that coats every bite of tender chicken.
Description
Garlic butter chicken is a quick stovetop dish featuring seared chicken pieces simmered in a golden butter-garlic sauce with optional herbs and light seasoning. The garlic infuses the butter, creating a rich, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or pasta. It’s ideal for weeknight meals that need to be both fast and delicious.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken
1 ½ pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into medium pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5–6 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or thyme
½ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
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Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
1. Pat chicken dry.
2. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Sear the Chicken
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces in a single layer.
3. Sear 4–5 minutes per side until browned and mostly cooked through.
4. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
1. Reduce heat to medium.
2. Add butter to the skillet.
3. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
4. Add red pepper flakes and herbs.
5. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice; stir to combine.
4. Simmer Everything Together
1. Return chicken to the skillet.
2. Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and chicken is fully cooked.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Serve
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
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Tips
Do not burn the garlic; it turns bitter. Cook just until fragrant.
Thighs stay juicier than breasts if you prefer richer meat.
Add extra butter for a thicker, richer sauce.
A splash of cream can turn this into a creamy garlic butter sauce.
For deeper browning, avoid overcrowding the skillet during searing.
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Variations
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: Add ½ cup heavy cream after the broth.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Version: Replace chicken with shrimp and cook only 2–3 minutes.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Swap chicken for steak cubes and sear quickly.
Garlic Lemon Herb: Increase lemon juice and add fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Spicy Version: Add extra crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
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Correction (Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them)
Sauce too thin: Simmer uncovered a few extra minutes.
Garlic burnt: Lower the heat and start again; burnt garlic cannot be fixed.
Chicken dry: Use thighs instead of breasts or reduce cooking time.
Too salty: Add a splash of broth or lemon juice to balance.
Not enough flavor: Increase garlic, herbs, or butter.
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Enjoy
Serve your garlic butter chicken hot, with plenty of sauce. It’s a quick, satisfying dinner perfect for any busy evening.