Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness, about 4 average-sized breasts); 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste); 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste); 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth (or as necessary); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more if you want extra sauce); 1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced; or to taste); 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnishing)

I absolutely love sharing this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of tender, juicy chicken seared to golden perfection and bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce always makes me smile. It’s incredibly simple yet incredibly satisfying—perfect for those nights when I want something quick but totally delicious. I guarantee this recipe will become one of your weeknight favorites, just like it did for me.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

What truly makes this dish special for me is the flavor profile. The garlic butter sauce is luxuriously rich without being overpowering, allowing the natural sweetness of the chicken to shine through. I use a special poultry seasoning blend called 21 Salute Seasoning, which adds an extra dimension of herbaceous complexity that sets this recipe apart from your average garlic chicken. Plus, the way the sauce melds with a splash of white wine or broth gives it a subtle tang and depth that makes every bite so satisfying.

Another thing I adore about this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to prepare. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just a handful of pantry staples and an uncomplicated sear in a skillet. I love that I can make a flavorful, restaurant-worthy meal in about 20 minutes, which is a time saver on busy evenings. It’s a fail-proof dish that always makes me feel like a kitchen pro.

I usually make this recipe for casual family dinners or when friends drop by unexpectedly. It looks and tastes impressive, yet it's humble and comforting enough for everyday meals. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday meal or something a bit more special, this garlic butter chicken stands out because it combines simple ingredients with incredible flavor and satisfying textures.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a close-up of golden-brown cooked chicken pieces in a light sauce. The chicken is topped with visible black pepper, small bits of garlic, and sprinkled with fresh chopped green herbs. The pieces have a slight shine from the sauce, with some oil pooling around them. The background surface is a white marbled texture, adding brightness to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Fresh garlic adds the punchiness, butter brings richness and silkiness, and the seasoning ensures the chicken is well-rounded and savory.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Olive oil: Essential for a golden sear and to prevent sticking while cooking the chicken.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tender texture.
21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning: Adds a flavorful herb blend that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
Kosher salt: Perfect for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors beautifully.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and balances the richness.
White wine or chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan and infuse a delicate acidity to the sauce.
Unsalted butter: The star of the sauce, making it rich, creamy, and luscious.
Garlic: Finely minced to release incredible fragrance and sharp flavor throughout the sauce.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish when garnishing.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a perfect sear.

Step 2: Season the pounded chicken breasts evenly with 21 Salute Seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet, leaving enough space between pieces.

Step 3: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a beautiful medium golden crust. If your breasts are larger and thicker, allow 6 to 7 minutes for the first side to sear properly.

Step 4: Flip the chicken carefully to the other side and cook for another 5 minutes or until cooked through. Avoid moving the chicken while it sears to lock in juices and create that perfect crust.

Step 5: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest while you make the sauce.

Step 6: Carefully pour white wine or chicken broth into the hot skillet to deglaze, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let it bubble and steam vigorously for a few seconds.

Step 7: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and stir continuously as it melts, about 1 minute, allowing the sauce to become rich and glossy.

Step 8: Stir in the finely minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to let the garlic brown or burn.

Step 9: Turn off the heat, return the chicken to the skillet, and gently toss each piece in the garlic butter sauce, spooning the sauce over the top for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 10: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken to add vibrant color and a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately for best taste.

Servings and Timing

This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe serves 4 people generously, perfect for a family meal or a small dinner party. Prep time is incredibly quick at about 5 minutes, mostly spent pounding and seasoning the chicken. The actual cook time is around 15 minutes, giving you a total time of 20 minutes from start to finish. There is no required resting or cooling time beyond letting the chicken rest briefly after cooking to retain juiciness.

How to Serve This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

The image shows several cooked chicken breasts in a pan covered with a golden brown sauce. One chicken piece is sliced into thick pieces, revealing a moist, white inside. The surface of the chicken is browned with small bits of garlic and black pepper, and sprinkled with fresh green herbs. The sauce is glossy and pooled around the chicken, with visible small chunks of garlic and herbs mixed in. The pan edges are visible, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love pairing this chicken with sides that soak up the luscious garlic butter sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles are favorites of mine because they complement the richness and add comforting texture. For a lighter option, garlic roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast that brightens the plate.

Presentation-wise, I like to arrange the chicken breasts neatly on a warm platter, spoon several generous ladles of the garlic butter sauce on top, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that gorgeous pop of green. It always looks inviting and elevated without being fussy. Serving the chicken hot straight from the skillet enhances the taste and makes the most of that velvety sauce clinging to each bite.

When it comes to drinks, this dish pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Chardonnay, both of which highlight the herbaceous and buttery flavors. For those who prefer something non-alcoholic, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a lightly brewed iced tea works wonderfully. I find that this recipe shines on special occasions like weekend family dinners but also makes an amazing weeknight meal when you want something cozy and flavorful, without a lot of effort.

Variations

I’m always excited to tinker with this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe to keep it fresh and cater to different dietary needs. For instance, if you want a gluten-free version, just be sure to use gluten-free broth or wine and double-check your seasoning blends. The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you skip any pre-mixed seasoning with flour additives.

If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping chicken breasts for chicken thighs adds even more juiciness and a deeper flavor. You can also try adding a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for a tangy twist that brightens the whole dish beautifully. For a vegan take, I’ve experimented with firm tofu or cauliflower steaks cooked in olive oil and topped with a garlic herb sauce made with vegan butter—it’s surprisingly delicious!

Another cooking method I sometimes use is baking the chicken breasts instead of searing them. After seasoning, I bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes, then finish the sauce in a pan separately. This method is gentler and can be helpful when cooking for a crowd or prepping ahead.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers (which honestly don’t last long), I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ideally, transfer the chicken and the garlic butter sauce together to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Leftovers stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this dish excellent for next-day meals.

Freezing

This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe freezes quite well if you want to make it ahead of time. I recommend freezing the chicken breasts and the sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. This keeps the quality intact and makes reheating easier. When properly wrapped, the chicken can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming the chicken in a skillet over low heat to preserve the tenderness and prevent drying out. Add a small splash of broth or water if needed to revive the sauce's silkiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the chicken and make the butter sauce separate. Reheating slowly lets the flavors come back beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative because they stay juicy and have a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might need a few extra minutes to cook through due to their thickness and fat content.

What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?

If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a perfect substitute that keeps the sauce flavorful and moist. You can also add a splash of white grape juice with a bit of lemon juice for acidity if you want a non-alcoholic option.

How do I make sure my chicken stays tender and juicy?

The key is pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly. Also, avoid flipping or moving the chicken too much while searing, and let it rest briefly after cooking to seal in the juices.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This dish holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping lunches or dinners. Just store it properly in airtight containers and reheat gently for the best texture.

Can I add vegetables to cook along with the chicken?

You can! Adding quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes in the last few minutes of cooking can infuse the dish with extra freshness and color. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the pan, which could prevent a proper sear on the chicken.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe enough if you’re looking for a straightforward, delicious meal that feels special every time. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it delivers on flavor, speed, and comfort in one tidy package. Give it a try soon—I promise it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen like it has in mine!