This Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce) recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious yet simple. With just four ingredients, this dish promises a burst of flavor that elevates any meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the rich garlic butter sauce beautifully complements the tender chicken, making it an instant favorite.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- For the Sauce
- Seasonings
- Optional Garnish
- How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)
- Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Step 2: Melt the Butter
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)
- With Pasta
- With Vegetables
- With Cheese
- For Extra Flavor
- How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)
- Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)
- Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)?
- Can I use other types of chicken?
- How can I customize this recipe?
- What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?
- How do I store leftovers of Garlic Butter Chicken?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With only four key ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and quick to prepare.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
- Versatile: This dish pairs well with various sides, making it suitable for any meal.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort Food Appeal: The warm, buttery sauce provides that cozy feeling many desire in home-cooked meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Tongs
- Measuring cup
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: This allows for even cooking of the chicken while ensuring all the ingredients combine nicely.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping garlic easier, enhancing your efficiency in prep work.
- Tongs: Ideal for flipping the chicken without losing any juices, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
Ingredients
This garlic butter chicken recipe features a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients that create a delightful dish.
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)
This section breaks down the steps to create your perfect garlic butter chicken with ease.
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Liberally season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper. This will enhance the overall flavor as they cook.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Add unsalted butter.
2. Once melted, add minced garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Place seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Sear each side for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
- Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley for added freshness before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce) alongside your favorite sides!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)
Garlic butter chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to suit your taste. The rich and creamy garlic butter sauce elevates the chicken, making it perfect for pairing with different sides or garnishes.
With Pasta
- Aglio e Olio: Toss spaghetti with olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes for a simple yet flavorful side.
- Lemon Pasta: A light lemon-infused pasta complements the richness of the chicken beautifully.
With Vegetables
- Roasted Seasonal Veggies: Toss your favorite seasonal vegetables in olive oil and roast them until tender.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens adds freshness and crunch to the meal.
With Cheese
- Parmesan Sprinkles: Grate fresh parmesan over the chicken for an added layer of flavor.
- Melted Mozzarella: Top with mozzarella and broil until bubbly for a delicious twist.
For Extra Flavor
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add heat by sprinkling red pepper flakes on top before serving.
- Italian Herbs: Sprinkle dried Italian herbs for an aromatic kick.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)
To achieve the best garlic butter chicken, follow these tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.
- Seasoning: Make sure to season the chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance its natural flavors.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers a stronger flavor than pre-packaged options, making your sauce more aromatic.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the chicken by checking its internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for perfect tenderness.
- Let It Rest: Allow cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)
Pairing your garlic butter chicken with delicious side dishes can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce left on your plate. Serve warm and toasted.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth mashed potatoes offer a comforting base that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy, crunchy element alongside the creamy chicken.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs balances out the richness of the dish well.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with veggies can provide a nutritious contrast.
- Cauliflower Rice: Low-carb and light, cauliflower rice is an excellent alternative that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a pop of color and sweetness that pairs nicely with savory dishes like this one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes while preparing Garlic Butter Chicken. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland results. Always ensure you coat both sides with salt and pepper.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly juicy chicken.
- Not using fresh garlic: Using pre-minced garlic can dull the flavor. Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger, more vibrant taste.
- Using high heat: Cooking on high heat may burn the garlic and butter. Stick to medium heat for a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Neglecting garnishing: Skipping fresh herbs like parsley can miss out on added flavor and visual appeal. A sprinkle of parsley brightens up your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)
- Place cooled servings in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)?
Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce) is a simple yet delicious dish made with chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Can I use other types of chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in or skin-on chicken; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or experiment with different herbs and spices for added flavor.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers of Garlic Butter Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe showcases simplicity and flavor that bring comfort to any dinner table. With just four ingredients, it’s not only quick but also highly customizable based on your tastes. Try it tonight and enjoy the delightful richness of this dish!
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Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken (4 Ingredient Sauce) is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. This quick and easy recipe features succulent chicken breasts enveloped in a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce, making it a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the chicken before serving and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg





