If you are craving a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, then this Garlic Butter Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Dinner) Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with hints of fragrant herbs—it’s a dish that feels indulgent but comes together faster than you’d expect. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a delicious dinner in a flash, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with maximum taste. Trust me, once you try it, Garlic Butter Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Dinner) Recipe will be a go-to for your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with raw chicken pieces that have a light pink color and smooth texture. The chicken is sprinkled evenly with green herbs like rosemary and parsley, and also seasoned with specks of black pepper and brown dried spices. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe thrives on the magic that just a handful of essential but powerful ingredients can create. Each one plays a role in building the rich layers of flavor, from the tender texture of the chicken to the herbal undertones in the garlicky butter sauce.

4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized breasts so they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
2 tsp Sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors and seasons the chicken thoroughly.
1/2 tsp Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and balances the richness of the butter.
1/2 tsp Dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herby note that complements the chicken beautifully.
1/2 tsp Dried oregano: Adds a Mediterranean touch that brightens the dish.
1/2 tsp Dried rosemary: Provides a piney aroma that deepens the flavor profile.
1/2 tsp Dried parsley: Offers a mild freshness to round out the herbs.
1 tbsp Olive oil: Used for searing to achieve that perfect golden crust on the chicken.
3 tbsp Unsalted butter: The star ingredient that creates a silky, rich sauce.
1/2 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the garlic butter sauce.
5 cloves Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Dinner) Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is key to getting a beautiful golden crust when seared. Next, season the chicken generously with sea salt, black pepper, and the dried herbs: thyme, oregano, rosemary, and parsley. This flavorful seasoning blend will infuse every bite with herby goodness.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—using a stainless steel pan here will give you the best sear. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it cook undisturbed for 4 to 8 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. If it’s browning too fast, just lower the heat to medium. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate and cover to keep warm. This resting step helps the meat remain juicy.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

With the chicken resting, add the butter and chicken broth to the same pan. As the butter melts, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom—this deglazing step is what packs in tons of flavor. Reduce the heat to low, then add your minced garlic. Let it sauté gently for about 1 minute, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Return the chicken breasts to the pan and flip them a time or two to coat them thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Let them heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is wrapped in that rich, glossy coating.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the chicken to plates and spoon the garlicky pan juices over the top. This simple, quick dish brings so much comfort and flavor, perfectly showing why this Garlic Butter Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Dinner) Recipe is such a beloved classic.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Dinner) Recipe

A close-up view of four golden brown cooked chicken pieces arranged in a silver pan with a slightly worn texture. The chicken is glazed with a shiny, oily herb sauce containing small bits of onions and green herbs scattered on top. The pan's surface has a light coating of the sauce, which pools around the chicken and reflects light, adding a glossy effect. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten and add freshness, garnish your garlic butter chicken with some chopped fresh parsley or a few sprigs of thyme. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate the dish with a nutty richness.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural match, soaking up all that buttery sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add a crisp, vibrant contrast. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or want to make this weeknight meal feel special, try plating the chicken over a bed of buttery garlic noodles or creamy risotto. Alternatively, slice the chicken and serve it on top of garlic-infused cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Drizzle the sauce artistically around the plate for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cooked garlic butter chicken keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container along with the sauce to preserve moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat gently for best results.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat garlic butter chicken gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of chicken broth can revive the sauce’s silky texture and keep the chicken juicy as you warm it through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will bring a bit more flavor and tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Garlic Butter Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Dinner) Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or simply water with a pinch of salt, though the flavor might be a touch less rich.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dairy-free, swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or an olive oil-based spread. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer—when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), your chicken is perfectly cooked. The juices should also run clear when pierced.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Dinner) Recipe truly embodies the ideal weeknight dinner: simple ingredients, quick preparation, and unforgettable taste. It’s one of those meals that feels special without the fuss and will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and add this treasured favorite to your dinner repertoire—you won’t regret it!

Garlic Butter Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Dinner) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need