Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
A quick and comforting pan-seared chicken dish with a rich, buttery garlic sauce that clings to the chicken, offering a bold and savory flavor in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces chicken breasts Can use thin-cut breasts or pound thick breasts for even cooking.
For the Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter For a lighter option, use half butter and half olive oil.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is preferable; optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano) Can use Italian seasoning; reduce quantity if using a stronger mix.
To Season
- to taste salt Use kosher salt for better control.
- to taste pepper Use slightly less table salt by volume.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and the dried herbs.
Cooking
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Melt until foamy but not browned.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes on the first side without moving them.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 5–7 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Spoon the garlic butter over the chicken before serving.
Notes
For best results, pound chicken to even thickness, control heat carefully, and rest the chicken before serving. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness at 165°F (74°C).