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Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet: Easy 20-Minute Dinner

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This Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet Dinner is a 20-minute, one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken breasts in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a no-fail weeknight dinner that proves chicken breasts can be tender and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour/cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
  • ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. If one end is much thicker, slice horizontally to create even pieces. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, and flour. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of chicken and rub in gently.
  3. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil. Swirl until butter melts and stops foaming (about 2 minutes).
  4. Sear the chicken: Carefully place chicken in hot skillet. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip with tongs and cook other side for 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Rest the chicken: Transfer chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 2 minutes.
  6. Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Deglaze the pan: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for about 1 minute until slightly thickened. If using heavy cream, stir it in now.
  8. Finish the dish: Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Warm through for about 30 seconds. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use fresh garlic and good-quality butter. Have all sauce ingredients measured before starting to prevent burning the garlic. Double the sauce if desired. Chicken is done at 165°F internally.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, quick chicken dinner, one-pan chicken, 20-minute meal, easy weeknight dinner, chicken skillet

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/quick-garlic-butter-chicken-skillet-easy-20-minute-dinner/