Quick Easy Dinner Garlic Butter Chicken

Name: Quick Easy Dinner Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Fast Table Solutions

When I'm short on time but still want a hearty meal, I turn to this Quick Easy Dinner Garlic Butter Chicken recipe. It combines juicy chicken with garlicky goodness and a rich buttery sauce that’s incredibly satisfying. In just 30 minutes, I can whip up a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a casual get-together with friends. The best part? It requires minimal ingredients, making it a go-to option whenever I'm in need of a quick yet delicious dinner solution.

Created by

Georgia Lane

Last updated on 2026-02-27T13:09:39.120Z

I've made this garlic butter chicken countless times, and each time it gets better! One secret is to use fresh garlic; it truly brings out the flavor in the butter. The chicken breasts sear beautifully, absorbing all the rich, herby tones, making every bite succulent.

When I serve it, I like to pair it with steamed vegetables or a fluffy rice that absorbs the leftover sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top elevates the presentation and flavor. Trust me, this dish will quickly turn into your favorite weeknight meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick preparation with minimal ingredients
Rich garlic flavor combined with buttery goodness
Perfect for dinner parties or family meals
Easily customizable with your favorite veggies

Perfecting the Garlic Butter Flavor

The key to achieving a rich garlic flavor in this Garlic Butter Chicken lies in properly sautéing the minced garlic. Be sure to cook it over medium heat until it's fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to be golden but not browned, as burnt garlic can have a bitter taste that detracts from the dish. If you find that your garlic is cooking too quickly, simply reduce the heat to low, allowing for a more controlled cooking process.

Using good quality unsalted butter is essential for this recipe. It not only enhances the overall flavor but also allows you to control the saltiness. If you're concerned about the butter content, you can substitute half of it with extra-virgin olive oil. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor profile, giving it a milder taste. For those who prefer a dairy-free option, vegan butter can work as a suitable substitute without compromising the texture.

Customizing Your Dish

This recipe is incredibly versatile in terms of customization. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only increases the nutritional value but also adds vibrant colors and textures to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure that the vegetables are tender yet crisp, which typically requires 3-5 minutes in the skillet.

For a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce. If you're a fan of herbs, experimenting with fresh or dried oregano, basil, or even rosemary can elevate the flavor further. The beauty of this recipe is that you can adapt it to your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it easy to enjoy it repeatedly without getting bored.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a flavorful and simple meal:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your garlic butter chicken:

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken to the skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in dried thyme.

Combine

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the garlic butter sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to soak in the flavors.

Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Make sure to enjoy this dish hot for the best flavor!

Pro Tips

To add a bit of heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the garlic butter sauce.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the chicken and garlic butter sauce separately. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.

The garlic butter sauce can also be made in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove when you're ready to serve. Just be cautious not to overheat it, as the garlic can become bitter if cooked again for too long. This makes the dish a convenient option for meal prepping.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your chicken isn’t browning well, it could be due to overcrowding in the skillet. Make sure to leave enough space between each piece to allow proper searing and steaming. Cooking the chicken in batches can help achieve that golden-brown exterior that makes this dish so appetizing.

Another common issue is dry chicken, which can happen if it's overcooked. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—target an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it reaches this temperature, and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps retain its juices.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide a bit more flavor and moisture.

→ Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

You can reduce the amount of butter or use olive oil for sautéing.

→ What side dishes go well with this chicken?

I recommend serving it with steamed broccoli, rice, or a fresh salad.

→ How long can the leftovers be stored?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.