Garlic Butter Chicken (15-Minute Skillet Dinner)

When weeknights are busy but you still crave a comforting, homemade meal that feels special, Garlic Butter Chicken (15-Minute Skillet Dinner) is the recipe you want in your back pocket. This dish proves that simple ingredients, cooked the right way, can deliver bold flavor in very little time. Juicy chicken breasts, perfectly seared in olive oil, are finished in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of white wine that adds just the right amount of depth and elegance.

This is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, family-friendly, and flexible enough to pair with almost any side. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day, feeding a hungry family, or looking for a reliable last-minute dinner idea, this garlic butter chicken delivers every single time.

Unlike complicated skillet meals that require multiple steps and endless prep, this 15-minute skillet dinner focuses on technique. A hot pan, properly seasoned chicken, and a quick garlic butter sauce are all it takes to create a restaurant-quality meal at home—without stress.

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Why Garlic Butter Chicken Is a Weeknight Hero

There’s a reason garlic butter chicken recipes are so popular across food blogs and home kitchens. Garlic and butter are a classic pairing that instantly elevates lean chicken breasts, which can sometimes be bland or dry when not cooked properly.

What sets Garlic Butter Chicken (15-Minute Skillet Dinner) apart is its simplicity and balance. The olive oil allows for a beautiful sear, the butter adds richness, the garlic provides aroma and punch, and the wine deglazes the pan to capture every bit of flavor left behind.

This recipe also fits into many lifestyles:

• It’s naturally low in carbohydrates

• It works for gluten-free diets

• It’s easy to adjust for dairy preferences

• It reheats well for meal prep

Most importantly, it’s reliable. Once you make it once, it becomes one of those recipes you can cook without even looking at the instructions.

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Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment Needed:

• 1 large skillet (preferably stainless steel or cast iron)

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Ingredients Breakdown and Why They Matter

Understanding the role of each ingredient will help you get the best results every time you make this garlic butter chicken.

Olive Oil

Olive oil has a higher smoke point than butter, making it ideal for searing the chicken without burning. It also adds a subtle fruitiness that balances the richness of the butter.

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, quick-cooking, and widely available. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.

Seasoning Blend

A poultry seasoning or 21 Salute seasoning adds layers of flavor without overpowering the dish. If you don’t have a blend, simple herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning work well.

Salt and Black Pepper

These enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and should be adjusted to taste.

White Wine or Chicken Broth

Wine adds acidity and depth, helping lift the flavors of the garlic and butter. Chicken broth is a great non-alcoholic alternative that still deglazes the pan beautifully.

Butter

Unsalted butter gives you full control over the seasoning. It creates the luxurious sauce that makes this dish irresistible.

Garlic

Freshly minced garlic is essential here. It infuses the butter with bold, savory flavor and aroma.

Parsley (Optional)

Parsley adds freshness and color, balancing the richness of the sauce.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers. This ensures the chicken will sear properly instead of steaming.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with your seasoning blend, salt, and black pepper. Don’t skimp—proper seasoning is key to flavorful chicken.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 5 minutes. This step is crucial for developing a golden crust.

Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking

Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Thicker pieces may need an extra minute or two.

Step 5: Remove and Rest

Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest while you prepare the sauce. Resting helps retain the juices.

Step 6: Deglaze the Pan

Carefully pour in the white wine or chicken broth. As it bubbles, use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is where much of the flavor lives.

Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add the butter and stir until melted. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.

Step 8: Combine and Serve

Turn off the heat, return the chicken to the skillet, and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Every Time

• Pound the chicken evenly to avoid dry edges and undercooked centers.

• Use a hot skillet before adding the chicken to ensure a proper sear.

• Do not overcrowd the pan, which can cause steaming instead of browning.

• Add garlic at the end to prevent bitterness.

• Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt if needed.

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Variations to Try

One of the best things about Garlic Butter Chicken (15-Minute Skillet Dinner) is how adaptable it is.

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half after the butter melts for a richer sauce.

Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning.

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

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Serving Suggestions

This garlic butter chicken pairs beautifully with many sides:

• Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower

• Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus

• Rice, quinoa, or buttered noodles

• Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

• A simple green salad for balance

Because the sauce is light yet flavorful, it complements both hearty and fresh sides.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to prevent drying out.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Per serving:

• Calories: 294 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 6 g

• Protein: 15 g

• Fat: 21 g

• Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 13 g

• Cholesterol: 63 mg

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Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken (15-Minute Skillet Dinner) is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or a long ingredient list to create an incredible meal. With just one skillet and a handful of pantry staples, you can serve a dish that feels comforting, elegant, and deeply satisfying.

This recipe is perfect for those nights when time is short but expectations are high. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy—tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and endless pairing possibilities. Once you master this recipe, it becomes a foundation you can build on again and again, adapting it to your tastes and what you have on hand.