This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with a splash of white wine or chicken broth for extra depth of flavor. It’s a one-skillet, stovetop meal that comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Serve it with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a simple yet impressive family favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness (4 average-sized breasts)

• 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning (or poultry seasoning)

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

• ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more if you want extra sauce)

• 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced

• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, optional for garnish

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the pounded chicken breasts, season evenly with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes.
Flip the chicken and cook on the other side for about 5 minutes, or until cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Deglaze the skillet with white wine (or chicken broth), allowing the liquid to bubble and release any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the butter, stirring until melted, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Turn off the heat, return the chicken to the skillet, coat it in the garlic butter sauce, and spoon the sauce over the top.
Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~294

• Protein: ~15g

• Fat: ~21g

• Carbohydrates: ~6g

• Sugar: ~2g

• Sodium: ~2936mg

The Flavor Profile That Makes It So Irresistible

At the heart of this dish is the lush, silky garlic butter sauce that elevates simple chicken breasts into something truly special. The butter brings a luxurious richness, while fresh minced garlic adds a bold, aromatic bite. A splash of white wine or chicken broth introduces subtle acidity and complexity, balancing out the richness and deepening the overall flavor profile. Meanwhile, the seasoning blend, whether using 21 Salute or traditional poultry seasoning, enhances the chicken’s natural savory notes without overwhelming them.

Each bite offers a beautiful medley of flavors: savory, slightly tangy, buttery, and fragrant with garlic. The sauce clings lovingly to the seared chicken, delivering intense, mouthwatering taste in every forkful.

The Importance of Proper Chicken Preparation

A key factor in the success of this Garlic Butter Chicken lies in how the chicken is prepared. Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Thicker sections won’t end up raw while thinner parts dry out. Seasoning the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and your seasoning blend before cooking builds a robust flavor base that makes every bite delicious on its own even before adding the sauce.

Cooking the chicken undisturbed allows a beautiful golden-brown crust to form, locking in the juices and creating a flavorful layer that enhances the final dish. The fond — those flavorful browned bits left in the pan after searing the chicken — is deglazed with wine or broth, forming the foundation of the garlic butter sauce and packing it with even more savory depth.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

Several smart techniques ensure that this recipe turns out fantastic every time. First, searing the chicken at medium-high heat creates an irresistible golden exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. Second, deglazing the pan lifts all the browned flavor bits and incorporates them into the sauce, guaranteeing richness without the need for heavy creams or complicated reductions. Third, adding the garlic after deglazing — not before — prevents it from burning, ensuring a smooth, flavorful sauce without any bitter notes.

The method is simple, the ingredients are few, but the results are nothing short of spectacular.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve maximum flavor and juiciness, make sure your skillet is properly preheated before adding the chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to maintain the correct temperature and get a proper sear. When deglazing, allow the liquid to bubble and reduce slightly — this concentrates the flavors beautifully and ensures the sauce coats the chicken instead of being too watery.

Always add the garlic once the heat is turned down or off to prevent it from browning too quickly. This ensures the garlic releases its natural sweetness and pungency without becoming bitter.

Delicious Pairing Ideas

Garlic Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. For a hearty and comforting meal, serve it over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or creamy polenta to soak up the luscious sauce. For a lighter, fresher option, pair it with a simple green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or even roasted Brussels sprouts.

If you want to keep the meal low-carb, cauliflower rice or sautéed greens like spinach or kale make perfect partners. A side of crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce would not be amiss either — that garlic butter goodness is too precious to leave behind.

Health Benefits of Garlic and Chicken

Beyond its incredible flavor, this recipe also offers some health benefits. Chicken breasts are a lean, high-protein option that supports muscle growth, metabolism, and satiety without adding excessive fat. Garlic, long celebrated for its medicinal properties, is rich in compounds like allicin, which may support immune function, heart health, and even provide antioxidant benefits.

By using olive oil instead of butter alone for cooking, the recipe also incorporates heart-healthy fats, while offering the option to control the richness by adjusting the butter quantity. This balance makes Garlic Butter Chicken a relatively nutritious indulgence when paired thoughtfully with healthy sides.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, Garlic Butter Chicken stores beautifully. Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high, which can cause the chicken to become rubbery; gentle reheating helps maintain its tender texture and preserves the flavor integrity of the sauce.

This dish is also meal-prep friendly. You can easily cook a double batch and enjoy it throughout the week for quick, delicious lunches and dinners.

Creative Variations You Can Try

While the classic Garlic Butter Chicken is hard to beat, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences. Add a few crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a spicy kick. Stir in some heavy cream after the butter melts for a creamier, richer sauce. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving can introduce an extra layer of umami and saltiness.

For herb lovers, adding a handful of fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme into the sauce right before returning the chicken to the pan gives the dish an earthy, aromatic boost. Lemon lovers can squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the sauce for a bright, tangy finish.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, and this Garlic Butter Chicken checks all the boxes. It’s fast, requires only a few common ingredients, and results in a meal that’s rich, comforting, and crowd-pleasing. The combination of juicy chicken and buttery, garlicky sauce is pure magic, proving that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most memorable.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe guarantees success without stress. Plus, its versatility means you can dress it up for special occasions or keep it casual for everyday dinners.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken is a shining example of how just a few well-chosen ingredients, cooked with care, can create a meal that feels indulgent yet effortless. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the ultimate solution for busy nights when you crave something hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor. Tender chicken, a luscious garlic butter sauce, and a hint of wine or broth come together to make every bite unforgettable. Once you try it, this dish will no doubt earn a regular spot in your recipe collection, offering delicious comfort whenever you need it most.