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Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet: Easy 20-Minute Dinner

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring perfectly seared chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce, ready in just 20 minutes. Simple ingredients and a foolproof technique deliver a crispy, golden-brown crust and juicy, tender meat every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter (preferably European-style like Kerrygold)
  • 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth or dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: If using chicken breasts, place between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Pat chicken very dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while prepping garlic and parsley.
  2. Heat the pan: Place a 10-12 inch cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering and just starting to smoke.
  3. Sear the chicken: Carefully lay chicken in the hot pan without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side. Chicken should reach 160°F (71°C) internally.
  4. Rest the chicken: Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest while making the sauce.
  5. Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the hot pan. Once melted and bubbling, add minced garlic. Stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
  6. Deglaze the pan: Pour in chicken broth or white wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Simmer for about 30 seconds until slightly reduced. Stir in lemon juice.
  7. Finish and serve: Return chicken to the pan, spooning garlic butter sauce over the top. Warm through for about 30 seconds. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best sear, pat the chicken very dry and ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken. Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. If garlic starts to brown too quickly, remove pan from heat and add a splash of cold broth. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, quick chicken dinner, 20-minute meal, skillet chicken, easy weeknight dinner, crispy chicken, garlic butter sauce

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