Save to Pinterest Tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. This quick and flavorful dish makes for a comforting weeknight dinner.
I remember the first time I made this skillet chicken after a busy workday. The aroma of garlic and butter sizzling together filled the kitchen and instantly made everyone look forward to dinner.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 150 g each) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- For Searing: 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Garlic Butter Sauce: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 garlic cloves minced 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 74°C/165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt, then stir in minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze:
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Return Chicken:
- Stir in thyme and return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Save to Pinterest This meal is always a hit with my family especially on chilly evenings. Everyone loves to gather around the table and scoop extra sauce over their sides.
Serving Suggestions
Try this buttery garlic chicken over mashed potatoes with steamed broccoli or spoon the sauce onto fluffy rice for a simple meal.
Substitution Tips
You can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness or vegan butter for a dairy-free option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly for different cuts.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has 295 calories 16 g fat 3 g carbohydrates and 35 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This skillet chicken is the ultimate comfort dish ready in just 30 minutes and guaranteed to please every palate.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure juicy chicken breasts?
Patting chicken dry and searing in a hot skillet preserves moisture. Monitor cooking time for doneness without overcooking.
- → Can I substitute chicken thighs?
Yes, thighs work well. Adjust searing and simmering times as thighs need slightly longer to cook through.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- → How do I make it dairy-free?
Replace regular butter with your favorite vegan butter to maintain the creamy sauce without dairy.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all listed ingredients are gluten-free. Always verify chicken broth and butter labels for potential additives.
- → Can I prepare ahead for meal prep?
Chicken and sauce can be cooked in advance and reheated gently in a skillet. Add fresh herbs before serving for best flavor.