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Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

This easy garlic butter chicken skillet features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh garlic, herbs, and simple seasonings. A quick and flavorful dinner for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a plate and reduce the heat to medium-low.
  4. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently so the garlic does not burn.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the Italian seasoning and black pepper. Stir well, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  6. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes.
  8. Remove from the heat and finish with fresh parsley. Add a little lemon juice or red pepper flakes if desired.
  9. Check that the thickest part of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) before serving.
  10. Serve immediately with rice, potatoes, pasta, vegetables, or your favorite side dish.

Notes

  • Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet so the chicken can brown properly.
  • Keep the heat moderate when cooking the garlic to prevent it from burning.
  • Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce the best flavor.
  • A small squeeze of lemon juice can balance the richness of the butter.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 3–4 days.
  • Reheat gently with a small splash of chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
  • Always check chicken with a food thermometer and make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C).