Print

Easy 20-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Breast Skillet

easy 20-minute garlic butter chicken breast skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts seared in butter and garlic, finished with a silky pan sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large or 3 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 5–6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Swirl to combine. Wait until the butter stops foaming and just starts to brown slightly.
  3. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and easily releases from the pan. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  4. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest while making the sauce.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning garlic butter sauce over the top. Warm through for 1 minute. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for best browning. Don’t move chicken too early; let it sear until a golden crust forms. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Lower heat before adding garlic to prevent burning. Deglaze the pan to capture all flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, 20-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, skillet chicken, quick chicken breast

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/easy-20-minute-garlic-butter-chicken-breast-skillet/