Garlic Butter Chicken Breast – Quick & Delicious

If you’ve ever struggled to make chicken breast juicy and flavorful, you’re not alone. I’ve been there countless times in my kitchen, staring at a dry, bland piece of chicken and wondering where I went wrong. But after years of experimenting, I’ve perfected a simple, foolproof method: Garlic Butter Chicken Breast. It’s tender, packed with flavor, and can be ready in less than 30 minutes.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing family and friends. Plus, it pairs beautifully with almost any side – roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh green salad.

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Ingredients (Shopping List)

Before we start, here’s what you’ll need:

Protein & Dairy:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Flavoring & Seasoning:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild spice)

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, but recommended)

• Juice of ½ lemon

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Lemon wedges

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Drying the surface helps them sear nicely in the pan, giving a golden-brown crust. If the chicken breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally or lightly pound them with a meat mallet so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Season Generously

Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. I like to rub the spices gently so they stick well. Don’t be shy with seasoning – it makes a huge difference in flavor.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook without moving them for about 5–6 minutes, allowing a golden crust to form.

Step 4: Flip and Add Garlic Butter

Flip the chicken breasts and reduce the heat slightly. Add the butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted garlic butter over the chicken continuously for 2–3 minutes. This technique, called basting, infuses the chicken with rich garlic flavor.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon

Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C), squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. The acidity brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the butter.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 3–5 minutes. This keeps the juices locked in, ensuring every bite is tender and moist.

Step 7: Serve

Slice the chicken against the grain for the best texture. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides. I personally love pairing this with roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes – it’s heaven on a plate!

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Bonus Tips from a Chef

1. Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your skillet is too small, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing.

2. Butter vs. Oil: I use a mix of butter and olive oil. Oil raises the smoke point so the butter doesn’t burn while still giving that rich, buttery flavor.

3. Garlic timing matters: Add garlic after flipping the chicken. Adding it too early can make it bitter.

4. Meal prep friendly: Cook extra chicken and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain juiciness.

5. Spice variations: Add smoked paprika, chili flakes, or Italian seasoning for different flavor profiles.

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Why This Recipe Works

Chicken breast is lean, which means it can dry out easily if overcooked. By using a mix of butter and olive oil, cooking at medium heat, and basting with garlic butter, this method ensures:

• Crispy, golden-brown exterior

• Juicy, tender interior

• Deep, aromatic flavor from garlic and herbs

It’s simple, quick, and delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

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Quick Recipe Card

Garlic Butter Chicken Breast

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 15–18 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp fresh thyme/rosemary

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pat chicken dry and slice if thick.

2. Season with salt, pepper, paprika.

3. Heat oil in skillet, sear chicken 5–6 min.

4. Flip, add butter, garlic, and herbs, baste 2–3 min.

5. Squeeze lemon over cooked chicken.

6. Rest 3–5 min, slice, and serve.

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This Garlic Butter Chicken Breast is my go-to weeknight dinner and one of the most requested recipes by friends and family. It’s simple, approachable, and tastes like a gourmet dish without the fuss.

Give it a try, and I guarantee you’ll never fear overcooked chicken again!