If you need a dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the time it takes to set the table, this Garlic Butter Chickenfrom Averie Cooks is the ultimate solution. This recipe is a viral sensation for a reason: it transforms simple boneless skinless chicken breasts into a tender, juicy masterpiece bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce. It is a 15 minute chicken recipethat proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a family favorite.
The secret to this stovetop garlic butter chicken is two-fold: pounding the chicken for even cooking and deglazing the pan to capture every bit of savory flavor. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or a simple bed of rice, this easy garlic chicken breast recipe will quickly become your go-to for busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken
- Fast & Efficient: Ready in just 15–20 minutes from start to finish.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup since everything happens in a single skillet.
- Juicy & Tender: Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks quickly without drying out.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: The combination of white wine (or broth), butter, and fresh garlic creates a luxurious glaze.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 ½ lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (approx. 4 breasts), pounded to an even thickness
- 1 to 2 tsp 21 Salute Seasoning (or poultry seasoning)
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper, or to taste
- ½ cup White Wine (or chicken broth)
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (more if you want extra sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Garlic, finely minced (about 3–5 cloves)
- Optional: Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prep and Season
Place the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about ½ to ¾ inch). This ensures they cook at the same rate. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen poultry seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on the first side. Tip: Do not touch, move, or disturb the chicken while it is searing to get a perfect golden crust.
3. Flip and Finish
Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes on the second side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked through, remove the chicken with a slotted spatula and place it on a plate to rest.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Carefully pour the white wine (or broth) into the hot skillet to deglaze. Allow it to bubble and steam for a few seconds. Add the butter and stir continuously until melted. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine and Serve
Turn off the heat. Return the chicken to the skillet, flipping the pieces to coat them thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Pounding: Pounding the chicken not only ensures even cooking but also breaks down muscle fibers, resulting in a much more tender bite.
- The “No-Touch” Rule: When searing, resist the urge to peek! Letting the chicken sit undisturbed for the full 5 minutes creates that beautiful golden-brown “fond” on the pan which makes the sauce taste better.
- Wine vs. Broth: While chicken broth works well, white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) adds a sophisticated acidity that perfectly balances the richness of the butter.
- Fresh Garlic Only: Avoid the jarred minced garlic for this recipe; fresh cloves provide a much punchier, cleaner flavor.
FAQ: Garlic Butter Chicken
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead? A: Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully. They may take an extra 1–2 minutes per side to cook through, but they are naturally even juicier than breasts.
Q: What is “21 Salute Seasoning”? A: It is a popular salt-free spice blend from Trader Joe’s. If you don’t have it, any all-purpose poultry seasoning or a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano will work.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the pan? A: To keep this a 15 minute chicken recipe, it’s best to cook veggies separately. Adding them to the pan will change the moisture levels and prevent the chicken from searing properly.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly? A: Yes! This recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. Serve it with zoodles or cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.
15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet
- meat mallet
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded evenly
- 1-2 tsp poultry seasoning or 21 Salute seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
- fresh parsley, optional garnish
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2–3/4 inch). Season both sides with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip chicken and cook another 5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Deglaze the skillet with white wine or broth, scraping up browned bits. Add butter and stir until melted, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.