20-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken: The Easiest Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Delicious 20-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken: One of the Easiest Chicken Recipes You’ll Ever Make
Looking for easy chicken recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor? This garlic butter chicken is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal ingredients, this tender, juicy chicken dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with barely any effort.
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This simple garlic chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal by sautéing them in rich butter with aromatic garlic powder and perfectly balanced seasonings. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for company!
Why This Garlic Chicken Recipe Will Become Your New Go-To
- Quick prep: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have
- Versatile: Pairs with nearly any side dish
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love this mild but flavorful chicken
- Healthy option: High in protein, low in carbs
Key Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Course: Dinner
Ingredients for the Best Easy Garlic Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they’re very thick, consider butterflying them or pounding to an even thickness (about ½ inch) to ensure even cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly.
- Add the remaining teaspoon of garlic powder to the melted butter and stir to combine.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving them (this helps create a nice golden crust).
- Flip the chicken breasts and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
- Remove skillet from heat and let the chicken rest in the pan for 3 minutes, occasionally spooning the garlic butter over the top of the chicken.
- Transfer to serving plates, drizzle with remaining pan sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken Every Time
- Even thickness is key: Pound thicker parts of the chicken breast for even cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary for proper browning
- Use a meat thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure chicken is cooked through
- Let it rest: Don’t skip the resting time, which helps keep the chicken juicy
- Fresh garlic variation: Replace garlic powder with 3-4 minced fresh garlic cloves for even more flavor
Nutrition Information
Calories: 214 kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 91mg
Sodium: 368mg
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Serving Ideas for Your Garlic Butter Chicken
This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides. Here are some perfect companions:
- Starches: Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or buttered egg noodles
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans
- Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Bread: Crusty French bread for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce
Variations on This Easy Chicken Recipe
Love this basic recipe but want to switch things up? Try these simple variations:
- Herb-Infused: Add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano
- Lemon Garlic: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the butter sauce
- Creamy Garlic: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream after removing from heat
- Parmesan Garlic: Sprinkle ¼ cup grated Parmesan over chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This chicken makes excellent leftovers! Here’s how to keep it at its best:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
Why Home Cooks Love This Easy Chicken Recipe
With an impressive 4.5/5 rating from nearly 1,700 reviews, this garlic chicken has become a staple in many home kitchens. Reviewers particularly praise its simplicity, flavor, and how quickly it comes together – perfect for those busy evenings when you need a reliable dinner solution.
When it comes to easy chicken recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort, this garlic butter chicken truly stands out as a winner that you’ll make again and again.
Delicious 20-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they're very thick, consider butterflying them or pounding to an even thickness (about ½ inch) to ensure even cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly.
- Add the remaining teaspoon of garlic powder to the melted butter and stir to combine.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving them (this helps create a nice golden crust).
- Flip the chicken breasts and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
- Remove skillet from heat and let the chicken rest in the pan for 3 minutes, occasionally spooning the garlic butter over the top of the chicken.
- Transfer to serving plates, drizzle with remaining pan sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
