Best Ever Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet (Fast Dinner) – Your New Weeknight Favorite!
Remember those chaotic weeknights? The ones where you stare into the fridge, utterly stumped, and the idea of ordering takeout starts sounding *really* good? Well, I’ve been there more times than I can count! That’s exactly how the Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet (Fast Dinner) became a staple in our home. I first whipped this up on a particularly dreary Tuesday evening, after a long day of chasing toddlers and deadlines, and it was pure magic. My husband took one bite and declared it the best `easy dinner` I’d ever made!
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver. It’s been thoroughly `tested` and approved by the toughest critics (my kids!) and has quickly become a `family favorite` for good reason. It’s incredibly simple, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers an explosion of savory `comfort food` flavors that will make you feel like a gourmet chef, even on your busiest days.
Say goodbye to boring chicken and hello to juicy, tender fillets swimming in the most luxurious, garlicky, buttery sauce you’ve ever tasted. You simply have to try this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ Here are just a few reasons why this Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet will become your new go-to:
- Lightning-Fast: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when hunger strikes fast!
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in a single skillet. That means less scrubbing and more relaxing after dinner. Who doesn’t love easy cleanup?
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of fragrant garlic, rich butter, and fresh herbs creates a sauce that’s utterly crave-worthy. Each bite of chicken is coated in pure deliciousness.
- Restaurant-Quality Taste at Home: You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can produce a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy bistro, right in your own kitchen.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt it to your taste. Add extra veggies, a splash of white wine, or a squeeze of lemon to truly make it your own.
- Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved: This recipe is a proven winner with even the pickiest eaters. The tender chicken and creamy, savory sauce are universally loved.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken fillets are an economical protein, and the rest of the ingredients are common pantry staples, making this an affordable meal option.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a double batch! This chicken holds up beautifully, making it perfect for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: Our method ensures the chicken stays perfectly moist and tender, never dry or rubbery.
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this recipe! You’ll be surprised at how much flavor these basic ingredients deliver. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and a complete list.
Expert Tips
💡 Unlock the full potential of your Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with these pro tips:
- Pound Your Chicken Evenly: For perfectly cooked, tender chicken, aim for an even thickness. Place your chicken fillets between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet or a heavy pan until they are about ¾-inch thick. This ensures they cook uniformly and quickly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: This is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown sear on your chicken. If you add too many pieces at once, the temperature of the pan will drop, and the chicken will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary, allowing enough space around each piece.
- High Heat for Searing: Start with a medium-high heat to get a good crust on your chicken. This creates incredible flavor and texture. Once seared, you can reduce the heat slightly to cook through.
- Use Fresh Garlic, Always: While pre-minced garlic works in a pinch, fresh garlic makes a world of difference in this recipe. Mince it finely or slice it thinly for maximum aromatic impact. Add it *after* searing the chicken to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
- Quality Butter Matters: Since butter is a star ingredient here, opt for a good quality unsalted butter. European-style butters often have a higher fat content and richer flavor, which really shines through in the sauce.
- Deglaze for Extra Flavor: After cooking the chicken and garlic, there will be delicious browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the pan. Pour in a splash of chicken broth or even a dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) and scrape up these bits with a wooden spoon. This adds immense depth of flavor to your sauce.
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is incredibly tender and moist.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) and whisk it into the simmering sauce. Let it cook for another minute until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Fresh Herbs for Finish: While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley (or chives, or a mix) right before serving adds a vibrant burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is incredibly versatile! It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or even a side of roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for a lighter meal. Don’t forget some crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce!
Variations & Substitutions
Feeling creative? This Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is super flexible:
- Keto/Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a side of steamed broccoli instead of traditional starches. Ensure your chicken broth is sugar-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use a high-quality vegan butter and a dairy-free cream alternative (like full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream) for the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
- Add Some Veggies: Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes along with the garlic for an extra nutritional boost and color.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give the sauce a subtle kick.
- Lemon Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest at the very end will brighten up all the rich flavors beautifully.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a touch of oregano for a different flavor profile.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often meld even more beautifully overnight!
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken during reheating to keep it tender.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe as they tend to stay even more moist. Just be aware that they may require a slightly longer cooking time (around 5-7 minutes per side) to cook through. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you have a couple of options. You can let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and naturally thicken. Alternatively, after adding the cream, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and cook for another minute until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: What can I serve with this Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet?
A: The possibilities are endless! It’s fantastic with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white or brown rice, or your favorite pasta. For a lighter meal, consider steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad. And definitely don’t forget some crusty bread to sop up that incredible sauce!
I genuinely hope this Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. It’s truly one of those recipes that brings comfort and joy without any fuss. Don’t forget to Pin this for later so you can easily find it on those busy weeknights!
Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet: Fast Dinner & Family Favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (about 1.5 lbs total), pounded to ¾-inch thickness
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1 Season chicken cutlets generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 2 Heat olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron or oven-safe) over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once butter is melted and sizzling, add chicken cutlets (in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
- Step 3 Sear chicken for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm.
- Step 4 Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and sautu00e9 for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 5 Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet using a wooden spoon. Bring to a gentle simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 6 Stir in heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer again and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Step 7 Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Step 8 Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
