Juicy, golden pan-seared chicken breast meets the savory richness of garlic, herbs, and butter in this elegant yet easy-to-make dish. Finished with a light pan sauce, this Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Breast is the ideal combination of comfort and sophistication—perfect for quick weeknight meals or refined dinner plates.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Thanks to simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The herb-and-butter-infused sauce elevates the dish, while the tender, well-seasoned chicken provides a satisfying protein base. Versatile and reliable, it pairs beautifully with vegetables, pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

directions

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate to rest.
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes, reducing the sauce slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to reheat and coat.
Slice the chicken if desired and serve drizzled with pan sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Creamy Version: Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the sauce before adding the chicken back to the skillet.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Herb Substitutes: Use fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of Italian seasoning for a customized herb profile.
Citrus Twist: Replace lemon juice with orange or lime juice for a different acidity.
Protein Swap: Use boneless pork chops or turkey cutlets in place of chicken.

storage/reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked and cooled chicken breasts with sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. Microwave reheating is also possible but may slightly alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay very juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative such as vegan butter or olive oil.

What can I serve with garlic herb butter chicken?

It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans.

How do I prevent chicken breasts from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and allow the chicken to rest before slicing to retain juices.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger skillet and cook the chicken in batches if needed.

Is it possible to make this sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it further, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

Can I use dried herbs instead of Italian seasoning?

Yes, a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary will work well.

Does this recipe work for meal prep?

Absolutely. Store in portioned containers with sides for an easy reheat-and-eat meal.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, grill the seasoned chicken and prepare the sauce separately in a skillet, then combine.

Conclusion

Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Breast is a quick, flavorful dish that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance. With its tender texture, fragrant sauce, and flexible pairing options, this recipe is destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Ready in just 20 minutes, it proves that satisfying meals don’t require complicated steps or long hours in the kitchen.