Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe (2024)

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Katerina

4.85 from 32 votes

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These garlic butter pan fried chicken breasts have a light but crisp exterior and a tender, juicy interior. They’re perfectly seared and delicious served with just about anything! You’re going to love this easy chicken breasts recipe.

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe (2)

Quick And Delicious Pan Fried Chicken

When it comes to protein, chicken reigns supreme, standing as the epitome of versatility. In fact, challenge me all you want, but it’s hard to dispute chicken’s myriad possibilities. ? Its compatibility knows no bounds, effortlessly complementing any meal. Even as leftovers, chicken adds a refreshing touch to entree salads and wraps, making them an ideal choice for efficient meal prepping.

Among the treasure trove of chicken recipes, one stands out as a personal favorite for its simplicity, speed, and adaptability: pan-fried chicken breasts. These succulent cuts of chicken are seared, resulting in a juicy and flavorsome deliciousness with the bonus pan sauce flavored with garlic and butter.

If you haven’t yet mastered the art of pan-frying chicken breasts, now is the time to delve into this indispensable technique. Believe me; it’s a skill that will prove invaluable in your everyday cooking.

Not a saucy chicken fan? Grab this very popular recipe for pan fried Stove Top Chicken Breasts.

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe (3)

Ingredients For Pan Fried Chicken Breasts

This juicy garlic butter chicken breasts recipe is so juicy and full of fresh herb flavor. You’ll be surprised by how simple the ingredients are.

  • boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
  • salt and fresh ground black pepper
  • Italian seasoning
  • sweet paprika
  • onion powder
  • olive oil & butter
  • garlic
  • chopped fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary
  • dry white wine OR low sodium chicken broth

How to Pan Fry Chicken

  1. Prep the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season them with salt and pepper.
  2. Combine: In a small mixing bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, and onion powder.
  3. Coat: Rub the chicken breasts with the prepared seasoning.
  4. Heat: Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Fry: Add the chicken breasts to the hot oil and cook for 6 minutes, undisturbed. Flip over the chicken breasts and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Continue to cook for 5 more minutes or until cooked through.
  6. Remove: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Keep it covered.
  7. Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Pour in wine or chicken broth and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the remaining butter to the skillet and stir until the butter is melted.
  8. Return the chicken: Return chicken to the pan and cook for a minute or two, or until just heated through.
  9. Serve: Spoon sauce over the chicken and serve.
Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe (4)

Baking Chicken Vs. Pan Frying Chicken

Both baking and pan frying have their merits when it comes to achieving delicious, juicy chicken. However, pan frying takes the lead if time is of the essence.

  • Baked chicken breast, although flavorful, runs the risk of becoming dry and requires adequate brining or marinating before cooking. Check out this fantastic brined oven baked chicken recipe for inspiration.
  • On the other hand, pan-frying chicken breasts is a cooking method that guarantees moistness, thanks to the inclusion of butter and oil. The high temperature of the pan swiftly cooks the chicken, preventing any potential drying out.
  • Opt for this Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe if you’re aiming to minimize oil usage.

Tips for Juicy Chicken Breasts

  • Be sure to pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This will make them cook evenly and make them more tender.
  • A preheated pan is a must, or your chicken will not brown on the outside or be as moist on the inside. Also, you do not want a pan that is too hot because you will burn the chicken.
  • For extra flavor, pan fry your chicken breasts in a seasoned cast iron skillet.
  • Do not, I repeat, do not touch that chicken until it’s time to flip. When I said “undisturbed”, I meant it! ? But, seriously, this will allow the chicken to char nicely and get crispy.
  • For the sauce, you can use either white wine or chicken broth. If you choose chicken broth, make sure it’s low sodium. If you choose white wine, make sure it’s dry.
Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe (5)

Serving Suggestions

  • This chicken breasts recipe is perfect served with a few simple sides. I like to choose either rice or potatoes and a green veggie. Smashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, rice, or garlic asiago cauliflower rice are all great options because they will absorb the sauce. Roasted broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans would round out the perfect meal.
  • You could also serve this chicken over pasta or zoodles. Place the chicken breasts on top of a heaping serving of pasta or zoodles and spoon the sauce right on top. ?

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

  • To store your leftovers, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Spoon the sauce over the top of the chicken breasts so that the chicken doesn’t dry out. They will keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days, or in the freezer for about 3 months.
  • To reheat chicken leftovers in the oven, place chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake them at 300˚F until warm. You can use your leftovers cold if you’d like. Just slice the chicken breasts and use the chicken to top this mango chicken salad or in a wrap.
Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe (6)

More Chicken Breasts Recipes

  • How To Boil Chicken Breasts
  • Easy Baked Chicken Breasts
  • Instant Pot Chicken Breasts

ENJOY!

Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe (7)

Garlic Butter Pan Fried Chicken Breasts Recipe

Katerina | Diethood

Treat yourself to these garlic butter pan-fried chicken breasts, boasting a delicately crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. These chicken breasts are flawlessly seared to perfection and accompanied by a fantastic pan sauce that adds tons of flavor.

4.85 from 32 votes

Servings : 4

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
  • salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • cup dry white wine, or use low sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness and season them with salt and pepper.

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine Italian seasoning, paprika, and onion powder; rub the chicken breasts with the prepared seasoning.

  • Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add chicken breasts to the hot oil and cook for 6 minutes, undisturbed.

  • Flip over the chicken breasts and add 1 tablespoon butter; tilt the pan to swirl around the butter while it melts and continue to cook for 5 more minutes or until cooked through. Chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165˚F.

  • Remove chicken from skillet and set aside; keep it covered.

  • Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 15 seconds.

  • Add parsley, thyme, and rosemary; cook for 10 seconds.

  • Pour in wine or chicken broth and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

  • Add the remaining butter to the skillet and stir until the butter is melted.

  • Return chicken to the pan and cook for a minute or until just heated through.

  • Spoon sauce over the chicken and remove from heat. Serve

Notes

  • Evenly pound your chicken breasts to ensure consistent cooking and tenderness.
  • Ensure your pan is preheated to achieve a desirable golden brown exterior and moist interior. Avoid excessively high heat to prevent burning.
  • Opt for a cast iron skillet to infuse your chicken breasts with extra flavor during pan frying.
  • Be patient and resist the urge to touch or flip the chicken. Allowing it to cook undisturbed will result in beautifully charred and crispy results.
  • For the sauce, you can use white wine or chicken broth.
  • To store your leftovers, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. The chicken will keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 296 kcal | Carbohydrates: 2 g | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 21 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Cholesterol: 110 mg | Sodium: 263 mg | Potassium: 449 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 1 g | Vitamin A: 618 IU | Vitamin C: 3 mg | Calcium: 19 mg | Iron: 1 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken breasts recipe, easy chicken dinner idea

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Categories:

  • Chicken Recipes
  • Dinner Recipes
  • Freezer Friendly Meals
  • One Pot Meals
  • Quick Dinner Ideas
  • Recipes
Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to juicy chicken breast? ›

Brines and marinades help tenderize the meat by bringing more moisture in the protein. With that extra moisture, you lose less when you cook. The simplest way to do this is with a dry brine — unwrap the chicken breasts, salt them on both sides and let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour.

How do you keep chicken moist and juicy? ›

A marinade adds both moisture and intense flavor to chicken breast. The longer you marinate, the better. Seal the chicken in your marinade for two to three hours minimum. However, overnight is ideal.

Does butter keep chicken moist? ›

Can you cook chicken with butter instead of oil? You have to cook chicken at a lower temperature if you bake or pan-fry chicken using butter instead of oil. This is because butter has a lower scorching temperature. Your chicken will cook more slowly, but it's also likely to be juicier and full of more flavor.

How to cook chicken breasts where they aren t dry and tough? ›

Here are some tips to help you achieve juicy and tender chicken breasts:
  1. Brining:Consider brining the chicken breasts before cooking. ...
  2. Marinating:Marinate the chicken in a flavorful liquid for at least 30 minutes or, ideally, several hours. ...
  3. Pounding:Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
Oct 21, 2022

What can I add to chicken breast to make it taste better? ›

Add a touch of spice to your chicken breast by combining paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ginger, garlic and olive oil to create a paste. Then cover your chicken breast with the paste and pat down to secure.

How long should I boil chicken breast to shred? ›

In as little as 20 minutes, you'll have moist shredded chicken to enjoy!
  1. Cover! In a large sauce pot, cover chicken breasts with cold water or stock. ...
  2. Cook! Bring the water to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes! ...
  3. Shred! We wait until the chicken has cooled but is still warm before digging into it with two forks!
Apr 8, 2024

What makes chicken more juicy? ›

There are a few key things you can do to make chicken soft and juicy:
  1. Choose the right cut of chicken. ...
  2. Brine or marinate the chicken. ...
  3. Don't overcook the chicken. ...
  4. Let the chicken rest before serving.
Jul 9, 2018

How long should you pan fry chicken breast? ›

Pan-fried chicken breast recipe

2. Heat the oil in a frying pan then add the chicken breasts (skin-side down, if they have skin) and cook for 2-3 minutes or until browned. Then turn over, cover and cook on the other side for 7-8 minutes or until cooked through.

Why is my chicken dry and not juicy? ›

The Role of Temperature and Cooking Time

However, if you cook your chicken too low and slow, the fibers will break down, resulting in a mushy, dry texture. The magic number that will let your chicken reach optimal juiciness is 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which typically takes around 20 minutes.

How to make chicken breast soft like restaurants? ›

  1. Flatten the chicken breasts. ...
  2. Heat the pan. ...
  3. Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for 1 minute without moving. ...
  4. Flip the chicken breasts. ...
  5. Turn the heat down to low. ...
  6. Cover the pan and cook on low for 10 minutes. ...
  7. Turn off the heat and let sit for an additional 10 minutes. ...
  8. Remove lid and take temperature.

How to keep chicken soft in butter chicken? ›

Later add ginger garlic paste, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, kasuri methi, turmeric and hung curd/ Greek yogurt. Mix well and cover. Let the chicken rest in the marinade for a minimum of 12 hours in the refrigerator. The longer you leave the more tender and juicer the chicken is going to be.

Why does butter chicken taste so good? ›

With its sweetly spiced tomato and cream-based gravy, butter chicken is a comforting, warming dish that feels decadent thanks to its silky-smooth richness. It's a dish that can be cooked with either breast meat or chicken thighs, with bones or without.

How do you make chicken soft and tender when cooking? ›

How you prep the chicken is also as important as how you cook it. Cooking method is only half of the answer. Brining the meat in a salty/sugary/acidic solution will go a long way in adding flavor and making the meat moist and tender. Brining + slow cooking = tenderest meat.

Should I cover chicken breast with foil when baking? ›

When chicken is covered while baking, it traps steam and moisture within the dish, resulting in juicier results. The covering helps prevent excessive evaporation and keeps the chicken moist throughout the cooking process. Preventing dryness. Chicken tends to dry out more quickly when exposed to direct heat.

Why is my chicken breast so hard after cooking? ›

Overcooking might play a role in your chicken's tire-like texture. Leaving chicken in a pan, oven, or grill for just a little too long can suck the moisture right out and leave you with a dry, rubbery bird.

What is the best way to cook chicken breast without drying it out? ›

Her suggestion: Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pan in a single layer, cover with a few inches of liquid (water, broth, etc.), add flavorings (spices, salt, herbs, soy sauce, etc.), then bring the liquid just barely to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat so the liquid simmers.

Does covering chicken make it juicy? ›

When chicken is covered while baking, it traps steam and moisture within the dish, resulting in juicier results. The covering helps prevent excessive evaporation and keeps the chicken moist throughout the cooking process. Preventing dryness. Chicken tends to dry out more quickly when exposed to direct heat.

What makes chicken breast tough? ›

What causes woody chicken breasts? Scientists are still working on finding the root cause of woody chicken breasts. But based on her research, Owens believes woody breasts are related to the development of the muscle. "If birds are growing really efficiently and fast, they're synthesizing muscle and that adds stress.

How long do I need to brine chicken breast? ›

Brine the chicken.

Fill a large bowl with 1 quart of warm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt. Stir to combine until most of the salt is absorbed. Add the chicken breasts and let them sit in the mixture to brine for 15 minutes, or you can also also cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.

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