Lunch & Dinner

Skillet Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce – Recipes From Chef

Name: Skillet Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce – Recipes From Chef
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets; Salt and cracked black pepper; 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly minced garlic; 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth or a splash of dry white wine; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 teaspoons fresh sage; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary

Rosa Crumley August 17, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 23 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before diving into the details of the skillet chicken, let’s talk about the perfect pairings to complement this dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just cooking for your family, the right sides can elevate your meal to new heights.

Steamed Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, carrots, and green beans adds color and a nutritious boost.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting element that pairs well with the garlicky notes in the chicken.

Quinoa Salad: Quinoa combined with mixed greens, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast to rich flavors.

Crusty Bread: Don’t underestimate the power of a good loaf. Bread allows you to soak up that delicious garlic herb butter sauce.

Simple Side Salad: A leafy spring mix drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette creates a light, crisp side that balances the richness of the chicken.

What is Skillet Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce?

Skillet chicken with garlic herb butter sauce is a fantastic way to prepare chicken. It involves cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a sauté pan, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust. The magic happens when you make the sauce: a rich blend of garlic, butter, broth, and fresh herbs. This flavorful mix coats the chicken, infusing every bite with mouthwatering goodness.

What sets this dish apart is its simplicity and speed. Within 30 minutes, you can have a dish that rivals any restaurant offering. Plus, the versatility means you can adapt it as per your taste.

How Does It Taste?

If you are a fan of garlic and butter (and who isn’t?), you’ll fall head over heels for this dish. The garlic lends an earthy depth, while the butter creates a luscious sauce that clings to the chicken. The herbs—sage, thyme, and rosemary—add layers of flavor that make each bite feel like an experience.

The dish strikes a balance between rich and savory, with a hint of citrus brightness from the lemon zest. It’s satisfying yet not overwhelmingly heavy, making it perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Few Ingredients: With only a handful of ingredients, you can whip this up without a mad dash to the store.

Healthy: Chicken is a lean protein source, and with the right cooking methods, this dish can keep the calories in check.

Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, herbs, and butter creates a savory symphony that’s hard to resist.

Customizable: Adjust the herbs, spices, and sides to suit your tastes or what’s available in your pantry.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your skillet chicken with garlic herb butter sauce:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 (6 oz each) boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets
Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
1 ½ tablespoons freshly minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth or a splash of dry white wine
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
½ teaspoon lemon zest (for brightness)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
2 teaspoons fresh sage, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

How to Make Skillet Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is important. A dry surface will help achieve that golden-brown crust we all love. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, it’s time for the chicken!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on one side. You want a lovely golden crust to develop.

Step 4: Flip and Cook Through

After 5-7 minutes, flip the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F). Take the chicken out of the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! You can indeed smell it, so pay attention.

Next, deglaze the skillet with the chicken broth or white wine, scraping up all those brown bits. They hold tons of flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Butter and Herbs

Reduce the heat to low. Add in 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring until melted. Mix in the lemon zest, red pepper flakes, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for an additional minute to let those flavors meld.

Step 7: Combine Chicken with the Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Allow it to warm for another minute, letting those flavors soak in.

Step 8: Serve

Plate the chicken. Drizzle generously with the garlic herb butter sauce and serve immediately. Pair with your chosen sides for an end result that’s sure to impress.

Tips for Making Skillet Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce

Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken if possible. The quality makes a noticeable difference in taste.

Don’t Rush the Sealing: Allow the chicken enough time on each side for good searing. This step locks in moisture.

Customize the Herbs: Feel free to play around with different herbs—basil, oregano, or even parsley can work well.

Control the Heat: If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, reduce your heat. Burnt garlic is unpleasant in flavor.

Double the Sauce: If you love a lot of sauce (who doesn’t?), consider doubling the garlic herb butter sauce for extra flavor.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of skillet chicken with garlic herb butter sauce (based on 4 servings):

Calories: Approximately 350
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g

This dish is low in carbs, making it friendly for keto or low-carb diets while being rich in protein.

How to Store Skillet Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce?

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t fret. Let the chicken cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for about 3-4 days.

For longer storage, consider freezing it. Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring you label them with the date. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Skillet Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce?

Turkey Breasts: Swap chicken for turkey. It’s equally lean and flavorful.

Pork Tenderloin: This can be a great alternative. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as pork may cook a bit faster.

Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, and use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.

Ghee or Coconut Oil: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use ghee or coconut oil in place of butter.

Lemon Juice: If you don’t have lemon zest, a splash of lemon juice will add brightness without losing flavor.

Best Skillet Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce

Conclusion

Skillet chicken with garlic herb butter sauce is a delightful addition to your cooking repertoire. It’s simple enough for everyday meals but stunning enough to impress dinner guests. As a food enthusiast, I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, tweaking it to perfection with each try.

The versatility allows you to adapt the flavors and pairings to suit your family or guests. When you plate this beautifully seasoned chicken, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience bursting with flavor.

So, fire up your skillet and give this recipe a shot. With its straightforward preparation and mouthwatering results, you’ll soon find it becoming a staple in your home. Happy cooking!

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Print Recipe

Skillet Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce – Recipes From Chef

Author: Rosa Crumley Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 8 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 23 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 350 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Imagine this: it's a busy weeknight, and you want something delicious on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Skillet chicken with garlic herb butter sauce is your answer. With tender chicken fillets seared to perfection, drenched in a flavorful garlic herb sauce, this dish fits the bill for a quick yet elegant meal.

This recipe not only satisfies hunger, but it also brings comfort and a hint of gourmet flair, all from your own skillet. Lucky for you, I'm here to share my personal take on this dish, complete with my insights and experiences from countless kitchen trials.