One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

I’m a home cook who’s all about making dinner quick, tasty, and fuss-free. One chaotic evening, I tossed together this garlic butter chicken in a single skillet, and it was a total game-changer—my family couldn’t stop raving about it. The chicken comes out juicy with a golden crust, and the rich, garlicky sauce clings to every bite. If you’re craving a meal that’s simple yet feels like a treat, this one-pan wonder is for you. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want big flavor without the cleanup hassle. Let’s dive into this recipe—it’s about to become your new go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic butter chicken is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but want something delicious. It’s ready in under 40 minutes, uses one pan, and bursts with savory, buttery goodness. The ingredients? Simple stuff you likely already have.

It’s super versatile too—pair it with any veggie or starch you love. I’ve made it for both casual dinners and when friends drop by, and it always impresses.

Plus, it’s a healthy option. Lean chicken and minimal oil keep things light, but the flavor feels indulgent. You’ll be hooked after one bite.

Recipe Overview

This skillet chicken dish is quick and straightforward, perfect for weeknights. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes.

It serves 4, great for a family or meal prep. Total time is about 30 minutes from start to finish.

You’ll need a large, oven-safe skillet for best results—cast iron or non-stick works great. A meat thermometer helps nail that perfect doneness.

Each serving is roughly 330 calories, with full nutrition details below. It’s naturally gluten-free and easily tweaked for low-carb diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish. Grab 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds). For extra flavor, keep the skin on if you prefer.

You’ll need 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 3 cloves garlic, minced, for that rich sauce. A splash of apple cider vinegar—about 1 tablespoon—adds a subtle tang. Any vinegar, like balsamic or white wine, works too.

For veggies, get 2 cups green beans and 1 cup sliced carrots. Add 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. That’s it—simple, fresh, and ready to go.

Directions

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This gives the chicken a flavor boost right away.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Set it aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, toss in the garlic, green beans, and carrots. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring to coat in the buttery goodness.

Add the vinegar and remaining butter, stirring until melted. Nestle the chicken back in, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F.

Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving. Dinner’s ready, and your kitchen smells amazing!

Helpful Tips

For the juiciest chicken, don’t skip the searing step—it locks in those juices. I once rushed it and regretted the bland result.

Use a meat thermometer to hit 165°F exactly; overcooking dries out the meat. If your skillet’s looking dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water.

Cut veggies evenly for consistent cooking—nobody wants crunchy carrots with mushy beans. Fresh garlic is best, but jarred minced garlic saves time in a pinch.

Pro move: Spoon the pan sauce over the chicken before serving for extra flavor. These tricks make this dish foolproof.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for creativity. For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end. It’s decadent!

Love spice? Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne with the seasoning. For an Asian vibe, swap vinegar for soy sauce and toss in some sesame seeds.

Go veggie-heavy by adding mushrooms or zucchini. For low-carb, skip carrots and use broccoli or asparagus instead.

I’ve even swapped chicken for pork chops—same cook time, just as tasty. Mix and match to keep things fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic vibe. Pair with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up that garlicky sauce—my family loves it this way.

A side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness. For guests, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color.

It’s great for meal prep too—portion it out for lunches that reheat like a dream. Whether it’s a weeknight or a small gathering, this dish delivers.

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Let them cool completely, then pop into airtight containers. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove.

Add a splash of water when reheating to revive the sauce. Always check for freshness—I label containers to track dates and avoid waste.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (based on 4 servings): Calories: 330. Protein: 36g, thanks to the chicken.

Carbs: 10g, mostly from veggies. Fiber: 3g for a little digestive boost.

Fat: 15g, with butter and chicken contributing. Sodium: about 450mg, depending on salt use.

Rich in vitamin A from carrots and vitamin C from green beans. Low in sugar, high in flavor.

These are estimates—use a nutrition calculator for exact numbers if you’re tracking closely.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead? Yup, thighs work great! They’re juicier and need about 12-15 minutes to cook through.

Is this recipe gluten-free? It is, as long as your ingredients are gluten-free. Double-check any broth if you add it.

What’s a good vinegar substitute? Lemon juice or white wine adds a similar zing. I’ve used both with great results.

Can I make this dairy-free? Swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free spread. Still delicious.

How do I avoid tough chicken? Don’t overcook—use that thermometer and pull at 165°F.

Got more questions? I’m happy to help!

Conclusion

This one-pan garlic butter chicken is your ticket to a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s easy, versatile, and cleans up fast—perfect for those crazy nights when you still want something special. I’ve made this countless times, and it always brings smiles to the table.

Give it a try this week—you won’t regret it. Save this recipe for your go-to rotation or play with the variations to make it your own. Let me know how it turns out—drop a comment with your tweaks or tips!