Garlic Chicken (Pan-Seared in Garlic Butter Sauce)

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 8–10 cloves garlic, minced (yes, lots!)

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creamy version)

• ½ tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

🔪 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels.

• Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2️⃣ Sear the Chicken

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

• Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown.

• Remove chicken and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).

3️⃣ Make the Garlic Sauce

• Lower heat to medium.

• Add butter to the same skillet.

• Add minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds (don’t burn it).

• Pour in chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the pan.

• Let simmer 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.

4️⃣ Make it Creamy (Optional)

• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.

• Simmer until slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

5️⃣ Combine

• Return chicken to the skillet.

• Spoon sauce over the top.

• Cover and simmer 5–8 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.

6️⃣ Finish

• Add lemon juice.

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

• Taste and adjust salt if needed.

🍽 Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• Mashed potatoes

• Rice

• Pasta

• Steamed vegetables

• Garlic bread

🔥 Pro Tips

• Pound thick chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking.

• Use fresh garlic — it makes a big difference.

• Add mushrooms or spinach for variation.

• For extra crispiness, lightly dredge chicken in flour before searing.