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Garlic Butter Chicken (Easy 20-Minute Skillet Dinner)

Golden-seared chicken breasts in a rich garlic butter sauce, ready in just 20 minutes for a high-protein, restaurant-quality dinner.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 4, pounded to even thickness
  • 1-2 tsp 21 Salute seasoning or poultry seasoning
  • 1 tsp kosher salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth as needed
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter use more for extra sauce
  • 1 tbsp garlic finely minced
  • 2 tsp fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Meat mallet or heavy skillet
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Wooden spatula
  • tongs

Method
 

  1. Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or heavy skillet, pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch throughout.
  2. Season both sides of chicken generously with poultry seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Add chicken breasts in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms and chicken releases easily from the pan.
  5. Flip chicken and cook for another 5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Juices should run clear.
  6. Remove chicken from skillet and place on a clean plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm while making the sauce.
  7. Reduce heat to medium and carefully pour in white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom.
  8. Let liquid simmer for about 1 minute to reduce by about one-third.
  9. Add butter to the skillet and stir continuously until it melts completely into the wine, creating a glossy, smooth sauce.
  10. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and softened but not browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  11. Turn off heat and return chicken breasts to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Spoon the garlic butter sauce generously over the top of each piece.
  12. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power.
Serving Suggestions: Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, buttered rice, pasta (linguine or fettuccine), roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans.
Substitutions: Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay juicier. For dairy-free, replace butter with dairy-free butter or more olive oil. Chicken broth can replace white wine.
Pro Tips: Do not move chicken for the first 5 minutes to allow proper sear to develop. Pounding chicken to even thickness is crucial for even cooking. Use freshly minced garlic over jarred for better flavor. If sauce seems thin, simmer longer; if too thick, add a splash of wine or broth.