Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal delivered to the table in a flash. This recipe combines juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection with garlic and butter, creating an irresistible flavor profile. Not only is it quick, but everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a busy parent juggling multiple tasks, this easy recipe will surely become one of your go-to summer dinners.
What Is Easy Summer Dinners: One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken in 25 Minutes?
Easy Summer Dinners: One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum taste. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—utilizing just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The chicken is coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that enhances the natural flavors, ensuring each bite is both satisfying and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll love this dish because of its versatility and quick preparation time. It’s perfect for:
- Busy parents: This dish allows you to serve a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Kitchen beginners: The easy-to-follow steps make it a great starting point for those new to cooking.
- Budget cooking: With minimal and affordable ingredients, this meal won’t break the bank.
- Meal prep: The leftovers can easily be stored for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
- Healthy eating: Packed with protein and full of flavor, this dish helps you stay on track with your dietary goals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the foundation of the dish, providing the protein needed for a satisfying meal. Look for breasts that are plump and fresh.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This will create the base of your garlic butter sauce, adding richness and flavor. You can easily substitute with olive oil if you prefer a lighter option.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the dish’s flavor and adds aromatic qualities that pair beautifully with chicken.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This spice adds a slight smokiness, contributing to the overall depth of flavor in the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning your chicken and bringing out the other flavors in your dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): This adds a pop of color and freshness when served.
How to Make
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter to the pan and allow it to melt. As the butter sizzles, it begins to release a rich aroma, which sets the stage for your dish.
- While the butter melts, season each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This seasoning mix will give the chicken a flavorful crust when seared.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. A meat thermometer should read 165°F when the chicken is properly cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes aromatic but be careful not to burn it.
- Return the chicken back to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter over the top. Cook for an additional minute, ensuring that chicken breasts are well-coated in the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice for a satisfying and complete meal.
Variations & Substitutions
Herbed Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter sauce. This brightens the flavor and enhances the dish’s summer appeal. The tangy lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, making it refreshing.
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: If you prefer a little heat, add red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic. This will give the dish a fiery kick that pairs well with the savory notes of the chicken and butter. Drizzling with hot sauce before serving makes it even more tantalizing.
Chicken with Vegetables: To make this a one-pan meal, add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to the skillet after you’ve seared one side of the chicken. This allows the veggies to absorb the flavors of the garlic butter while cooking alongside the chicken, resulting in a colorful and nutritious dinner option.
Gluten-Free Option: For those following a gluten-free diet, ensure you check all labels on ingredients, especially pre-packaged spices to ensure they don’t contain any gluten.
Low-Carb Alternative: Serve the garlic butter chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. It’s a healthy substitute that still provides a satisfying texture and flavor profile, keeping your meal low in carbohydrates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not allowing the skillet to heat properly before adding the chicken. If the pan is not hot enough, the chicken can cook unevenly and won’t develop that desirable golden crust. Always preheat your pan for optimal cooking.
Another pitfall is overcooking the chicken. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, and use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked but still juicy. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, losing its tenderness.
Using too much garlic can overpower the dish. While garlic is essential, it’s crucial to find the right balance to ensure its flavor complements the chicken rather than overwhelms it.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
For storage, let the garlic butter chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’s best refrigerated and can be stored for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming it in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking.
When reheating, consider adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the chicken moist. This can prevent dryness, ensuring your meal remains flavorful and tender even after storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy, plus they’re less likely to dry out if overcooked. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take longer than breasts.
What can I serve with this dish?
This garlic butter chicken goes great with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or over pasta. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice or quinoa complements the dish beautifully, absorbing the delicious butter sauce.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. The flavor will vary slightly, but you’ll still achieve a deliciously aromatic sauce.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While the chicken is best enjoyed fresh, you can marinate it in the garlic butter sauce and seasonings a few hours before cooking. This can enhance the flavors and make preparation even quicker during a busy weeknight.
What is the best way to cut the chicken for serving?
Allow your chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps retain its juices. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the chicken against the grain into thin strips for the most tender bite. This can also help the chicken absorb more of the sauce when served.
Conclusion: Easy Summer Dinners: One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken is a fantastic meal that combines speed, simplicity, and incredible flavor. Perfect for families on the go, this dish brings a taste of summer right to your dining table, allowing you to enjoy precious time with loved ones while savoring a delicious meal.
