One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken – The Ultimate Comfort Meal

If there’s one dish that ticks all the boxes for comfort, flavor, and ease of preparation, it’s One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken. Juicy chicken seared to golden perfection, smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce, and cooked all in one pot means less mess, less cleanup, and maximum taste. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pot means easy cleanup – no mountain of dishes afterward.
• Rich and flavorful thanks to butter, garlic, and herbs.
• Versatile – pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
• Beginner-friendly but still impressive enough for guests.

One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken

🍗 Juicy, tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce 🧄🧈—perfect for a quick, flavorful, one-pot dinner! Serve with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies for a cozy meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) or breasts if preferred
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs
• Measuring spoons

Method

 

1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, skin side down, and sear until golden brown, 5-6 minutes per side.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is flavorful.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Garnish with extra thyme if desired.
6. Serve hot with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy your one-pot garlic butter chicken! 🍗🧄🧈

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 4)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Sear to Perfection

In a large skillet or deep pan, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Build the Garlic Butter Base

Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (careful not to burn it).

4. Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.

5. Finish Cooking

Return the chicken to the pot, spooning sauce over the top. Cover and let it cook for 8–10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken

• Use chicken thighs for a richer, more tender bite.
• Don’t skip the sear – it locks in flavor and creates that irresistible golden crust.
• Adjust thickness – if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer; if too thick, add a splash of broth.
• Fresh garlic over powdered – it’s the secret to the deep, savory flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort dinner.
• With buttered noodles or spaghetti for an easy pasta night.
• Alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
• Paired with garlic bread for sauce-dipping perfection.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without cream sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and make fresh sauce when ready to serve.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce silky.

Variations to Try

• Spinach & Tomato: Add baby spinach and cherry tomatoes during the last 5 minutes for a fresh twist.
• Mushroom Lovers: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter before making the sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
• Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 5g

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights

Life can get hectic, and the last thing you want after a long day is a pile of dishes. With this one pot method, everything cooks in the same pan, infusing layers of flavor while saving you time. It’s a complete win for anyone balancing taste and convenience.