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Quick Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breast Skillet Recipe Easy and Perfect

quick juicy garlic butter chicken breast skillet - featured image

A fast and flavorful skillet chicken breast recipe featuring a juicy, tender texture with a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 ounces each), pounded to even thickness
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 45 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for mild heat
  • Optional: splash of white wine

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound to about 1/2 inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and releases easily from the pan. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic and butter around the chicken. Stir garlic gently until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift brown bits. Spoon garlic butter sauce over chicken. Cover loosely and cook for another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and thyme before serving.

Notes

Do not crowd the pan to ensure proper searing. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Watch garlic closely to avoid burning. Test doneness with a thermometer. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered briefly. Butter can be stirred in off heat for a silkier sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, skillet chicken breast, quick chicken recipe, juicy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal