I often hear from friends and readers that they want simple, quick dinner ideas that still taste amazing. That’s why I’m sharing two of my favorite easy garlic butter chicken recipes today. These meals are perfect for busy weeknights, and they always get rave reviews from my family. You’ll love how little effort they take for such big flavor!
Both of these chicken recipes use simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen right now. I want to show you how easy it is to make delicious food from scratch, even when you’re short on time. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
This baked chicken breast recipe is a weeknight hero. You get tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, all cooked in one pan.
It’s incredibly simple to prepare and cleanup is a breeze, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings when you want something comforting and quick.
Key Ingredients & Quick Tips for Baked Chicken
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking. If they are very thick, slice them in half or pound them thin for even cooking.
- Garlic & Butter: Fresh minced garlic is best for flavor. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level yourself.
- Herbs: Dried Italian seasoning or a mix of dried parsley and oregano works well. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley add a bright finish after baking.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can dry out easily. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) then remove them from the oven.
What You Need for Garlic Butter Chicken Breast
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 mins⏱️ Cook Time: 20-25 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Baked Garlic Butter Chicken
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels; this helps them brown nicely.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each chicken breast, making sure they are well coated. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
📝 Final Note
This baked garlic butter chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Simple Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
If you prefer your chicken pan-seared and coated in a silky sauce, this recipe is for you. It uses chicken thighs or breasts and creates a wonderful sauce right in the pan.
This dish is ready in under 30 minutes and is perfect over rice, pasta, or with a side of steamed greens for a truly comforting meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Pan-Seared Chicken
- Chicken Cuts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great here because they stay moist. Chicken breasts can also be used, just be careful not to overcook them.
- Chicken Broth: This is key for creating the light sauce. Use low-sodium broth so you can add salt to your taste.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives at the end really brightens up the flavors.
- Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chicken, use the chicken broth to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor and will make your sauce extra good.
What You Need for Simple Garlic Butter Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 mins⏱️ Cook Time: 15 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Chicken
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Pat your chicken pieces dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and dried oregano (or thyme). Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Finish the Dish
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
📝 Final Note
This skillet garlic butter chicken is wonderful over steamed white rice or your favorite pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce.