Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the pounded chicken breasts in the pan, seasoning them evenly with 21 Salute seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken sear without moving it for 5 minutes until it develops a medium golden color.
- Step 2: Flip the chicken breasts and cook on the second side for another 5 minutes, or until fully cooked through. For thicker breasts, extend the searing time to 6-7 minutes per side.
- Step 3: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the butter and minced garlic, cooking until the butter is melted and the sauce is fragrant.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet briefly to coat with the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer sauce, add extra butter or finish with a splash of cream.
- Substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, fresh flavor.
Storage
Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To preserve moisture, cover the chicken while reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicy. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook thoroughly.
What can I serve with garlic butter chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Recipe
A simple and flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken recipe featuring perfectly seared boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked in olive oil, garlic, and butter, finished with a splash of white wine or chicken broth and garnished with fresh parsley for a delicious, savory meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness, about 4 average-sized breasts)
Seasonings and Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 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)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth (as necessary)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more for extra sauce)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced, or to taste)
Garnish
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- Heat the Skillet: Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and evenly season them with 21 Salute seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until the underside is a medium golden color. For thicker breasts, sear 6-7 minutes.
- Flip the Chicken: Carefully flip the chicken breasts and cook on the second side for another 5 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Do not disturb during this time to achieve a good sear.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet using a slotted spatula and place on a plate to rest, preserving juices and tenderness.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the unsalted butter until melted and sauce is slightly thickened.
- Serve: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the rested chicken breasts and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an equal thickness before cooking.
- If white wine is not preferred, chicken broth can be used as a substitute for deglazing.
- Do not move the chicken while searing to develop a nice crust and prevent sticking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- For more sauce, increase the amount of butter used in the sauce step.
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Skillet Chicken, Quick Dinner, Sautéed Chicken Breast

