There’s something magical about a skillet full of golden, buttery chicken sizzling away, filling your kitchen with the rich aroma of garlic and warm spices. This Easy 30-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken is the kind of recipe that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a restaurant-worthy meal—without the stress.
We all have those nights when we need dinner fast, but fast shouldn’t mean boring. This dish is juicy, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying, all thanks to a perfect balance of butter, garlic, and simple seasonings.
It pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar Salad or a side of velvety Mashed Potatoes, making it a meal that feels fancy but takes minimal effort. The best part? You only need five ingredients—butter, chicken, garlic powder, seasoning salt, and onion powder.
No complicated steps, no endless prep, just a fail-proof, flavor-packed dinner in half an hour. Plus, it’s a recipe that adapts to your cravings—swap the butter for ghee, throw in some fresh herbs, or add a squeeze of lemon for a fresh twist.
This dish has been a lifesaver in my kitchen, especially on nights when I want something hearty, comforting, and downright delicious without spending hours at the stove. So grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Want To Make This Again and Again!
- Dinner in 30 Minutes Flat – No long prep, no fancy steps—just quick, delicious comfort food.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor – Just a handful of pantry staples bring out the best in juicy chicken.
- Versatile & Customizable – Toss in fresh herbs, swap seasonings, or drizzle with lemon for a new twist every time.
- A Crowd-Pleaser – Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist this buttery, garlicky goodness.
- Easy to Pair with Anything – Serve it with pasta, rice, veggies, or even a light salad—it works every time!
Easy 30 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, seasoning salt, and onion powder.
- Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Spoon the melted garlic butter over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Check doneness with a fork or thermometer (internal temp should be 165°F/75°C).
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 214kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 368mg |
Most Useful Tips For Garlic Butter Chicken!
- Use Thin Chicken Breasts for Even Cooking – If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise or pound them slightly. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter—But Know When to Add It – For the best flavor, melt a little butter at the start for cooking, then add a final pat of butter in the last few minutes. This creates a rich, glossy finish.
- Let the Chicken Rest Before Slicing – I know it’s tempting, but cutting too soon lets all the juices run out. Give it at least 5 minutes for the juiciest, most flavorful bites.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet If You Can – It holds heat better, giving the chicken a beautiful golden crust while locking in flavor. A stainless steel pan works too, but avoid nonstick if you want a proper sear.
- Deglaze for Extra Flavor – Once the chicken is done, add a splash of chicken broth, white wine, or lemon juice to the skillet. Scrape up the browned bits—they’re pure flavor gold!
- Try a Quick Marinade for a Flavor Boost – If you have extra time, marinate the chicken in a little olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking. It takes this dish to another level!
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
