Easy Garlic Butter Chicken – Quick Weeknight Dinner
Lemony, herb-infused chicken breasts with a rich garlic butter glaze, fully cooked in under 30 minutes. A Mediterranean-inspired, crowd-pleasing weeknight staple.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: quick
- Method: Pan-searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
½ lemon, juiced
Instructions
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), pressing spices into meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, then flip and cook 3-4 minutes more
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until golden. Stir in parsley and lemon juice
Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over each piece, and let simmer 2 minutes. Serve immediately
Notes
Swap olive oil for ghee or avocado oil for flavor variations. Use dairy-free butter for dietary restrictions. Add lemon zest or low-sodium chicken broth to enhance sauce depth. Preheat pan before adding chicken to form perfect sear. Avoid overhandling chicken while cooking to preserve crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg