Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe Easy One-Pan Dinner

Imagine this: tender chicken breasts simmering in a rich garlic butter sauce, all in one pan, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent, yet it’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. This Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is my go-to when I want comfort food without the mess, and honestly, it always delivers.

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chaotic week of juggling work deadlines and family dinners. I needed something quick, flavorful, and most importantly, easy to clean up. Enter this one-pan wonder. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s now a staple in our home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and incredibly satisfying.

What makes this Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet special is its versatility. Pair it with a side of roasted veggies, toss it over pasta, or keep it low-carb with a crisp green salad. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep, perfect for those busy nights when you need dinner fast.
• One-Pan Magic: No extra dishes to wash—everything cooks in one skillet, saving you time and hassle.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your kitchen right now. No fancy shopping required!
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of garlic, butter, and juicy chicken creates a flavor-packed meal that feels restaurant-worthy.
• Versatile: Pair it with pasta, rice, veggies, or salad. It works for any occasion, from casual dinners to impressing guests.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this recipe—there’s something about that buttery garlic flavor that wins everyone over.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients—just good, honest cooking. The garlic butter sauce is rich but balanced, with a hint of lemon to brighten it up. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet uses everyday ingredients to create bold, comforting flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, about 1 lb. (substitute with thighs for juicier meat).
• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons, divided (adds richness to the sauce).
• Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced (fresh garlic is key for that bold flavor).
• Chicken stock: 1 cup (adds depth and keeps the sauce light).
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (balances the richness with a touch of brightness).
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (helps sear the chicken beautifully).
• Salt & pepper: To taste (seasoning is everything).
• Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional but adds a pop of color).

If you’re out of chicken stock, you can substitute with vegetable stock or even water with a pinch of bouillon powder. And for a dairy-free version, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts to your pantry!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make this Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet works best for even cooking.
• Tongs: For flipping the chicken without tearing the meat.
• Knife: A sharp knife for mincing the garlic.
• Cutting board: For prepping the chicken and garlic.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the sauce without scratching your skillet.

If you don’t have a large skillet, you can use a sauté pan or even a Dutch oven. Just make sure it’s big enough to fit the chicken without overcrowding.

Preparation Method

1. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chicken breasts.
3. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken stock and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!

If your sauce feels too thin, let it simmer uncovered for an extra minute or two. And don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning—it’s the secret to perfect flavor!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: If your skillet is too small, cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper searing.
• Use fresh garlic: Pre-minced garlic in jars won’t give you the same bold flavor.
• Check the chicken’s temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through without drying out.
• Adjust the sauce consistency: If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken stock. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered.
• Don’t skip the garnish: Fresh parsley adds color and a subtle herby note that complements the garlic butter sauce.

Cooking chicken can be tricky—make sure your skillet is hot enough to sear properly but not so hot that the garlic burns. It’s all about balance!

Variations & Adaptations

This Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to switch it up:

• Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or rice.
• Dairy-free version: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms during the final cooking step for extra nutrition.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little heat.
• Herb swap: Use fresh thyme or basil instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.

One of my favorite variations is adding a handful of baby spinach to the sauce—its slight bitterness pairs beautifully with the buttery richness.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is best served hot and fresh, but here’s how to store leftovers:

• Serving: Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious. Pro tip: add a splash of chicken stock when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown for one serving of Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

This recipe is high in protein and low in carbs, making it great for keto or low-carb diets. The fresh garlic offers immune-boosting benefits, while the lemon juice adds vitamin C. It’s wholesome comfort food with a health-conscious twist!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights, this Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet checks all the boxes. It’s my go-to for a reason: it’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Plus, the one-pan approach means less cleanup, which is always a win.

I love how versatile this dish is—you can customize it endlessly to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, it’s guaranteed to impress without stress.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! Drop a comment below or share your adaptations—I’d love to hear your twists on this one-pan wonder. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic over medium heat and keep stirring. Adding it after the chicken is seared helps prevent burning.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil.

What sides go best with this dish?

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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