20-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken: A Quick and Flavorful Dinner Solution

When life gets busy, but your craving for a home-cooked meal doesn’t fade, 20-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken is your go-to recipe. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken pieces with a buttery garlic sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Best of all, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a quick but satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love 20-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken

This recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and decadence. The golden, crispy exterior of the chicken paired with the aromatic garlic butter sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile, meaning you can pair it with almost anything—from a fresh salad to buttery mashed potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	20 oz (1¼ lbs)
Unsalted butter	3 tbsp (divided)
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves
All-purpose flour	2 tbsp
Fresh parsley (chopped)	2 tbsp
Olive oil	1 tbsp

Seasonings

Ingredient	Quantity
Dried oregano	½ tsp
Dried basil	½ tsp
Sweet paprika	½ tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Fresh ground pepper	To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Start by thoroughly patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Dry chicken browns better, giving it a beautiful golden crust.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken into evenly sized 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.

2. Coat the Chicken

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss gently with your hands or tongs until all pieces are evenly coated with the flour mixture.

3. Heat the Pan

• Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
• Swirl the pan to coat it evenly. Once the butter is melted and bubbling (but not browned), carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other.

4. Cook the Chicken

• Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. This helps create a golden-brown crust on the bottom.
• Flip each piece using tongs and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side.

5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet.
• Stir until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Sprinkle in the fresh parsley and gently stir to coat the chicken pieces in the sauce.

6. Check for Doneness

• Ensure the chicken is cooked through by cutting into the thickest piece. The center should be white and no longer pink.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the garlic butter chicken hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Perfectly Seasoned Chicken

The blend of dried oregano, basil, and paprika adds a depth of flavor, while the flour coating creates a golden crust.

2. Aromatic Garlic Butter Sauce

The combination of butter and garlic elevates the dish with its rich, savory aroma. Adding fresh parsley provides a burst of freshness.

3. Quick and Simple

With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

20-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides to create a balanced meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the buttery garlic sauce beautifully.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a healthy and colorful touch.
• Rice or Quinoa: These grains soak up the sauce, making every bite delicious.
• Fresh Salad: A light green salad balances the richness of the dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	28g
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	105mg
Sodium	450mg
Total Carbohydrates	5g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	0g

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and garlic make a noticeable difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in a single layer ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
3. Monitor the Heat: Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning the butter or garlic.
4. Adjust the Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick of heat.
5. Double the Recipe: This dish is great for meal prep. Make extra and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQs About 20-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and tend to be juicier. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take longer.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to preserve the texture.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.

5. What other herbs can I use?

Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives make great additions to the garlic butter sauce.

6. How can I make this dish healthier?

Reduce the butter to 1 tablespoon and use olive oil for the rest. Pair it with steamed veggies or a fresh salad instead of starchy sides.

Conclusion

20-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect combination of quick, easy, and downright delicious. With its juicy chicken pieces, rich buttery sauce, and a hint of garlic, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

So, grab your skillet and ingredients, and treat yourself to this irresistible garlic butter chicken tonight. You won’t regret it!

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