If you are searching for a meal that combines rich flavors, simplicity, and the comfort of home cooking, this Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is your new best friend. Juicy chicken thighs or breasts get beautifully seared and then bathed in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce that is both creamy and fragrant. Whether you are cooking for your family or surprising friends with a savory, homemade delight, this skillet meal is ready in just about 30 minutes and guarantees a memorable dinner experience. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between approachable and flavorful, making it a true kitchen winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet each plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor and lovely texture. From the butter that forms a decadent sauce base to the fresh herbs that bring a pop of color, these components come together to elevate the dish beyond everyday chicken.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs keep the meat moist while breasts are a leaner option, so choose what suits your preference.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the chicken and seasoning.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness.
- Garlic (freshly minced): The aromatic powerhouse that makes the butter sauce unforgettable with its punch.
- Butter: Creates the creamy, dreamy base of the sauce and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the butter from burning while adding its own light fruity note.
- Chicken Broth: Introduces a savory depth to the sauce and keeps it silky but not too thick.
- Heavy Cream: Rounds out the sauce with richness and velvety smoothness.
- Fresh Parsley or Chives: Brightens the finished dish with color and herbaceous freshness.
- Paprika (optional): For a mild smoky flavor and a beautiful golden hue, add this if you like.
How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This simple step ensures a gorgeous sear without steaming. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If you prefer, sprinkle paprika now for that subtle smoky note and mouthwatering color.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place the chicken in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes, until the underside is golden brown. Flip and brown the other side, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. This caramelization locks in juices and builds flavor.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining butter, and toss in the freshly minced garlic. Stir gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant—do not let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those flavorful browned bits. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Return Chicken
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Cover loosely and let everything cook together for another 6 to 8 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of bright color and fresh aroma. Your Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is now ready to be the star of your dinner table!
How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives are simple garnishes that make a big difference, adding a fresh, lively flavor and making your plate pop visually. A light sprinkle of paprika on top also adds a wonderful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles that soak up the luscious garlic butter sauce. Steamed green vegetables such as asparagus or green beans provide a crisp, healthy contrast that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, place the chicken on a bed of risotto or creamy polenta, and drizzle extra sauce around the plate. Serve with a wedge of lemon on the side— the citrusy burst when squeezed over just elevates the whole experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools; simply reheat gently and add a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen it up.
Freezing
You can freeze this Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe for up to 2 months. Cool the chicken completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. To refresh the sauce’s texture, add a bit of chicken broth or cream and stir gently until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine and provide a leaner option; just be careful not to overcook them so they stay tender.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream enriches the sauce and gives it its signature velvety texture, but you could substitute with half-and-half if you’re looking for a lighter version—just expect a slightly thinner sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, try using dairy-free butter and cream alternatives such as coconut cream and vegan butter, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes along with the garlic for more veggies and added flavor directly in the skillet.
What is the best way to reheat without drying out the chicken?
Reheat slowly over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce and chicken moist.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those recipes that quickly becomes a classic in your rotation—comforting, rich, and so straightforward to prepare. I genuinely hope you enjoy creating and savoring this dish as much as I do. It’s the kind of meal that makes you look forward to dinner and keeps everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite weeknight winner!
Print
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Delight is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Enhanced with fresh garlic, creamy heavy cream, and a hint of paprika, this skillet meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. The dish combines the richness of butter and cream with the bright freshness of parsley, all brought together in a one-pan stovetop recipe.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts (Thighs add moisture; breasts are leaner)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
Sauce and Cooking
- 4 cloves Garlic (freshly minced, generous amounts for best taste)
- 4 tablespoons Butter (forms the creamy base of the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (prevents butter from burning)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (opt for low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (adds richness)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley or Chives (brightens up the dish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear them for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the freshly minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cream and Herbs: Lower the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream and fresh parsley or chives. Allow the sauce to thicken gently while stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over each piece, and simmer everything together for an additional 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken stays tender and moist.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the chicken hot with the garlic butter creamy sauce drizzled over top. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Boneless chicken thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful outcome compared to breasts, which are leaner.
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- Fresh garlic is key for the best flavor; use more or less to suit your taste.
- You can substitute parsley with chives or fresh basil for a different herbal note.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Ensure not to burn the garlic to avoid bitterness.
