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Best Easy One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

one-pan garlic butter chicken - featured image

This one-pan garlic butter chicken is proof that simple food can be genuinely amazing. It’s the recipe I turn to when I want something delicious without the fuss. One pan, 30 minutes, and dinner is done.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Wait until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Carefully place the chicken in the hot pan. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and easily releases from the pan. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
  4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for at least 5 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Stir in the lemon juice, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce bubble for another minute.
  8. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning some sauce over the top. Cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
  9. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Spoon any remaining sauce over the chicken.

Notes

For best results, let chicken come to room temperature before cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Do not crowd the pan. Let chicken rest after searing. Add garlic after butter melts to prevent burning. Use unsalted butter to control salt level.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan chicken, garlic butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, 30-minute meal, skillet chicken