If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only simple but bursting with flavor, then let me introduce you to my favorite Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet! This recipe is a game changer for busy weeknights or anytime you crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Picture this: juicy chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, all smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce that makes your kitchen smell heavenly. And the best part? You can whip this up in just 25 minutes! Trust me, once you taste this dish, it’ll become a regular on your dinner table. My family can’t get enough of it, and I bet yours will love it too! So, let’s dive into this easy and mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to impress anyone who sits at your table.
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet that will have everyone begging for seconds. Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds!
Season the Chicken
First things first, you’ll want to season those chicken breasts. Grab your salt, pepper, and paprika, and sprinkle them generously over both sides of the chicken. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it really makes a difference in flavor! Give it a good rub to ensure every bite is packed with deliciousness.
Cook in Skillet
Now, heat up your skillet over medium heat and melt those 4 tablespoons of butter until it’s bubbling. The smell is going to be heavenly! Once the butter is nice and hot, carefully add your seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that golden brown color that means they’re cooked perfectly. Just remember, don’t flip them too soon—let them develop that gorgeous crust!
Add Garlic
Once your chicken is beautifully browned, it’s time to amp up the flavor! Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes. Oh wow, the aroma that fills your kitchen will be incredible! Just keep an eye on it; you want the garlic to soften and become fragrant, but not burnt. It adds such a depth of flavor to the dish!
Garnish and Serve
Finally, once everything is cooked through and the kitchen smells amazing, remove the skillet from the heat. Grab some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the top for a pop of color and freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with rice or a side of steamed vegetables to soak up all that luscious garlic butter sauce. You’re in for a treat—dinner is served!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data for each serving of this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 36g
With such a lean protein source and delicious garlic butter sauce, this dish is not just tasty but also fits nicely into a balanced meal plan. Enjoy each bite knowing you’re nourishing your body while treating your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Whip this up in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Easy Cleanup: One skillet means less washing up—who doesn’t love that?
- Flavorful Taste: The rich garlic butter sauce elevates the chicken to a whole new level of deliciousness!
- Healthy Profile: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this dish fits nicely into a balanced diet.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the seasoning or add veggies to make it your own!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends alike—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet turns out perfectly every time! Here are some of my top tips that I swear by:
- Adjust the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add more minced garlic for an extra punch of flavor! But if you’re not as big on it, start with 4 cloves and adjust next time based on your taste.
- Temperature is Key: Make sure your skillet is preheated before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the meat beautifully and lock in the juices. You want that sizzle when the chicken hits the pan!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If you’re making more than 4 chicken breasts, consider cooking them in batches. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown, and we want that gorgeous golden crust!
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite even more succulent!
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary along with the garlic for a lovely aromatic twist. It adds a whole new layer of flavor!
With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with this Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet! Here are some ideas that I absolutely love:
- Herb Infusion: Switch up the flavor by adding different fresh herbs! Basil, thyme, or rosemary can really elevate the dish. Just toss them in with the garlic for a fragrant twist.
- Vegetable Medley: Stir in some veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini while the chicken is cooking. They’ll add color, nutrition, and a delightful crunch to your skillet!
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken. It’ll give your dish a spicy edge that’s oh-so-tasty!
- Seafood Delight: Swap out the chicken for shrimp or scallops! Cook them for just a few minutes until they turn pink and tender, soaking up all that garlic butter goodness.
- Tofu Twist: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Cut it into cubes, season it just like the chicken, and follow the same cooking method. It’ll soak up all the flavors beautifully!
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just after cooking the garlic for a creamy sauce that’s rich and decadent. It’s a total game changer!
These variations can keep your Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet fresh and exciting every time you make it. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and make this dish your own! Happy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers from your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet? Don’t worry, you can easily store them for another tasty meal! Here’s how to keep everything fresh and flavorful:
- Storage: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your chicken soggy. The Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cooked chicken! Just make sure it’s in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it should be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Now, when it comes to reheating, I’ve got a couple of great options to keep that flavor intact:
- Stovetop: The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of chicken broth or a little more butter to keep it moist, and warm it up for about 5-10 minutes until heated through. This way, you’ll revive that lovely garlic butter sauce!
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave too. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through. Just be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out the chicken.
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet again without sacrificing any of that deliciousness. Happy munching!
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet
Now that you’ve got your mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! The right sides can really elevate your meal and balance out those rich, buttery flavors. Here are some of my top picks that I absolutely love:
- Steamed Vegetables: A colorful mix of steamed broccoli, carrots, and snap peas is a fantastic way to add some freshness to your plate. Plus, they soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce beautifully!
- Fluffy Rice: Whether it’s white, brown, or even cauliflower rice, a scoop of fluffy grains makes for the perfect base to catch all those tasty juices. You could even jazz it up with a little lemon zest or herbs!
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: If you’re a fellow garlic lover, why not double down? Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting, indulgent side that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette can really brighten up the meal. It’s a great way to balance the richness of the garlic butter!
- Quinoa Salad: For something a bit different, try a quinoa salad with cucumbers, bell peppers, and a lemony dressing. It adds a lovely texture and flavor contrast to the chicken.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget about some warm, crusty bread! It’s perfect for sopping up that luscious garlic butter sauce—you won’t want to leave a drop behind!
With these side dishes, your Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet dinner will be a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. So gather your loved ones, set the table, and dig in!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet: 25-Minute Flavor Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and flavorful garlic butter chicken skillet dish.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet, Chicken Recipe, Skillet Chicken