Busy day? No problem! This One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect quick and easy dinner that’s packed with flavor. Juicy, tender chicken cooked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce—all in one pan and ready in just 20 minutes!
It’s perfect for a weeknight meal, pairs well with almost anything, and requires minimal cleanup. Let’s get cooking!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2-4)
🔹 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small chicken thighs)
🔹 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
🔹 ½ tsp black pepper
🔹 ½ tsp paprika (for color and flavor)
🔹 ½ tsp dried oregano (or thyme)
🔹 2 tbsp olive oil
🔹 3 tbsp butter (unsalted, for rich flavor)
🔹 4 cloves garlic (minced)
🔹 ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
🔹 1 tbsp lemon juice (for a fresh kick)
🔹 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
2️⃣ Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and almost cooked through.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, reduce the heat to low and melt butter.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any brown bits for extra flavor.
4️⃣ Simmer & Finish Cooking
Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes, spooning the garlic butter sauce over it.
Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C), remove from heat.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with steamed veggies, rice, or mashed potatoes.
🍴 What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken
This dish is super versatile! Try pairing it with:
✔ Mashed potatoes – Perfect for soaking up that garlic butter sauce.
✔ Steamed or roasted vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
✔ Rice or pasta – For a more filling meal.
✔ Crusty bread – To scoop up every last drop of sauce!
🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken
✔ Use a meat thermometer – Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (75°C).
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan – This helps the chicken brown nicely.
✔ Make it creamy – Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
✔ Spice it up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken is an absolute life-saver when you need a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal in just 20 minutes. It’s buttery, garlicky, and full of flavor—perfect for any day of the week!
Have you tried this recipe? Drop a comment and let me know your favorite side dish to pair with it!