Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet: Easy 20-Minute Dinner
This quick garlic butter chicken skillet is a simple, honest dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and finished in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and gently pound to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
- Sear the chicken: Carefully place seasoned chicken in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until edges are golden brown and chicken releases easily. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Start the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt and foam. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth. Let simmer gently for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Return the chicken: Place chicken back into the skillet, nestling into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over each piece. Let simmer together for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Notes
For best results, pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Let chicken rest after searing to keep juices inside. If sauce is too thin, simmer longer; if too thick, add a splash of broth. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and full-fat coconut milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (half of r
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 45
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, quick chicken skillet, easy weeknight dinner, 20-minute meal, chicken breast recipe