Looking for a quick and delicious chicken dinner that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours? This simple pan-seared chicken with garlic butter sauce is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Quick Chicken Recipe
This easy chicken dinner is ideal for those hectic evenings when you need something fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. The golden-brown chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned and topped with a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce that elevates this simple dish into something special. It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Utensils and Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan (preferably non-stick or cast iron)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
- Tongs or spatula
- Small bowl for mixing seasonings
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken (3 minutes)
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they’re thick, butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch for faster, more even cooking. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with this spice mixture.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken (10-12 minutes)
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook without moving for 5-6 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce (3-4 minutes)
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Combine and Serve (1 minute)
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let it warm through for about 30 seconds, then remove from heat. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Serving Suggestions
This quick chicken dinner pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Roasted vegetables
- Simple green salad
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta or egg noodles
- Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Every Time
Don’t Skip the Pounding: Evening out the thickness ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and quickly, preventing dry edges and raw centers.
Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to know your chicken is perfectly cooked is when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Let It Rest: If time allows, let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
Adjust the Heat: If your chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium to prevent burning while ensuring it cooks through.
Variations and Substitutions
- Herbs: Swap parsley for fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary
- Citrus: Try lime juice instead of lemon for a different flavor profile
- Cream: Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to make the sauce richer
- Vegetables: Toss in cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms during the sauce-making step
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce
Storage and Meal Prep
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. This recipe also works well for meal prep—simply portion into containers with your chosen sides.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 320
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 16g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families
This 20-minute chicken dinner has become a weeknight staple for good reason. It requires minimal ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, uses just one pan for easy cleanup, and delivers incredible flavor without complicated techniques. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or impressing dinner guests, this versatile recipe fits the bill.
The combination of simple seasonings and a quick pan sauce transforms ordinary chicken breasts into something memorable. It’s proof that fast food doesn’t have to mean takeout—you can create a wholesome, delicious meal at home in the same amount of time.
Ready in: 18 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 2 | One-Pan Meal
