Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breast (One‑Pan Magic!)

This article guides you through making Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breast in a single pan. You’ll get the backstory, ingredient list, easy cooking steps, and answers to common questions. Expect tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and minimal cleanup—perfect for busy dinners or cozy weekends.

Why I Love This Recipe

How One-Pan Chicken Became My Kitchen Hero

One busy Monday evening, I had just one pan and twenty minutes to cook. With chicken breasts, butter, garlic, and pantry staples, I decided to sauté everything together. The result? Golden, juicy chicken smothered in garlic butter sauce—with almost zero effort. It quickly became a go-to meal any night of the week.

This dish has that same comforting garlic flavor you love in our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes and packs it into a lean, juicy chicken breast that cooks in one pan.

Why Garlic Butter Makes Chicken Shine

The garlic butter sauce seals in moisture and gives the chicken a glossy, flavorful finish. Garlic infuses the butter, and as it melts over the chicken, it creates a rich sauce that’s irresistible. It’s that perfect balance of savory and comforting, similar to the garlic taste in our Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes, but focused on juicy chicken breast.

Ingredients & Prep

All You Need for This One‑Pan Meal

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: lemon wedges, for finishing

For more garlic-rich meal ideas, check out our 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp—a flavorful seafood twist with the same garlic power.

Prep Tricks for Tender Juicy Chicken

Pat chicken dry, then press garlic and paprika evenly onto each breast. Having everything chopped before heating your pan speeds up the process and keeps the butter from browning too fast. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken—165°F in the thickest part.

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How to Cook It Right

Searing the Chicken in Garlic Butter

Heat olive oil and half the butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4‑5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan and stir in any chicken juices. Return chicken to the pan to coat in sauce and finish cooking to 165°F.

Spoon sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley. Serve with a side of vegetables, rice, or our comforting Garlic Butter Potatoes.

FAQ

Conclusion

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breast (One‑Pan Magic!) delivers tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s ideal for weeknight meals yet satisfying enough for dinner guests. Pair it with rice, veggies, or garlic potatoes to complete the plate.