Introduction
If the question is “What’s for dinner?” and the answer isn’t something easy, buttery, and a little garlicky—let’s fix that right now.
This garlic butter chicken breast recipe is exactly what weeknights were made for: minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and practically foolproof. Searing the chicken first locks in all the juiciness, while that heavenly butter sauce soaks in every bite. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet, so cleanup is as breezy as the cooking. This is one of the easiest chicken recipes you will ever make.
Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, over rice, or just some roasted veggies on the side, this easy chicken recipe is one of the best easy chicken recipes that checks every box for a quick and satisfying meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken
Let’s be honest—chicken breast gets a bad rep for being dry or boring. But not here, friends. With a combo of searing + oven-baking, and a generous pour of buttery, garlicky goodness, these breasts come out tender, flavorful, and anything but bland.
Here’s what makes this recipe shine:
- Only 8 simple ingredients
- Done in under 30 minutes
- One skillet = easy cleanup
- Versatile enough for meal prep or dinner parties
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon paprika (divided)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Breast
Step 1: Preheat & Season
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Set aside to let those flavors settle in.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, ¼ teaspoon paprika, Italian seasoning, parsley, and minced garlic. Smells good already, doesn’t it?
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a cast iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet), heat the olive oil over medium heat. When it’s nice and hot, sear the chicken breasts for 1–2 minutes per side until they’re golden. We’re not cooking them through yet—just giving them a flavor-packed crust.
Step 4: Bake to Juicy Perfection
Pour the garlic butter mixture all over the chicken. Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 20–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
Step 5: Spoon, Serve & Savor
Once it’s done, spoon that buttery sauce from the skillet over the chicken. Garnish with extra parsley or your favorite fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
A Little Story from My Table
The first time I made this, it was one of those nights—long day, cranky kids, and zero desire to spend an hour cooking. I threw this together, hoping for the best. My husband? Went back for thirds. My toddler? Asked for “the buttery chicken” the next day.
It’s officially on repeat. And now, I always keep chicken breasts in the freezer just in case we need an emergency comfort meal.
Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken Breasts
- Don’t skip the sear. That golden crust adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
- Use a meat thermometer. 165°F is the magic number for juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
- Let it rest. Just 5 minutes before serving helps the juices redistribute.
- Add a splash of lemon. Want a touch of brightness? Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Thighs are super flavorful and stay juicy. Just adjust the cook time slightly depending on thickness.
What sides go well with garlic butter chicken?
We love it with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, garlic rice, or a crisp green salad. Try this Easy Roasted Vegetables Sheet Pan recipe!
Is this butter chicken the same as Indian butter chicken?
Not quite—this version is more of a Western-style butter chicken breast recipe with garlic and herbs, while Indian butter chicken uses a spiced tomato-cream sauce.
More Easy Chicken Recipes to Try
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet
- Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
- One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
- For additional options: Real Simple – 14 Easy Chicken and Rice Recipes for Every Day of the Week
Final Thoughts
This garlic butter chicken breast recipe proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something seriously delicious. With just a skillet and a little butter love, dinner can be stress-free and taste like it came from a cozy little bistro.
Go ahead—bookmark it, pin it, print it, make it twice this week. You won’t regret it.