Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken with Quick Herb Sauce
Tender chicken breasts cooked in garlic butter and served with a vibrant fresh herb sauce for a quick, satisfying meal. This general-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter is melted and foaming.
- Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 4: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add 4 minced garlic cloves and the remaining 1 tbsp butter; spoon the melted garlic butter over the chicken until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and 1 tbsp lemon juice; stir well to create a quick herb sauce.
- Step 7: Serve the chicken topped with the fresh herb sauce for a bright finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken with Quick Herb Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken with Quick Herb Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken with Quick Herb Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken with Quick Herb Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken with Quick Herb Sauce?
General chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
