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Easy 30-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Dinner

garlic butter chicken skillet - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan chicken dinner with a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe delivers juicy, golden-brown chicken with a luscious sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes if time allows.
  2. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Wait until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Sear the chicken: Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
  4. Make the garlic butter: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Build the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth. Simmer for another 2 minutes until thickened.
  6. Combine and finish: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let warm through for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For juicier chicken, remove from heat at 160°F; carryover cooking will bring it to 165°F. Add garlic to butter for only 20 seconds before adding broth to prevent burning. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, skillet chicken, quick chicken dinner, one-pan chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe