saute chicken recipe

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The Best saute chicken recipe
I love this sautéed chicken recipe because it’s simple, fast, and always turns out delicious. It’s one of those meals I can throw together on a busy weeknight when I don’t have time to fuss, but it’s also nice enough to serve when we have company. The chicken stays juicy and tender, and the flavors are just right—savory with a little brightness from the herbs and lemon. My kids request it all the time, which is always a good sign, and even my picky eater will clean his plate without complaint.
What I appreciate most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it with just about anything—roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even over rice or pasta if you want something heartier. It’s also a great way to get a good dose of lean protein without a lot of extra fat or calories. Plus, since it cooks in one pan, cleanup is a breeze, which is a win for any home cook. This dish has become a staple in our house because it checks all the boxes: easy, healthy, and something everyone actually wants to eat.

Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken with Herbs
4.7 from 832 votes
A quick and flavorful sautéed chicken dish with a rich garlic butter sauce and fresh herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers tender chicken with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal
🥘Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Sauté
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional, substitute with chicken broth)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳Directions
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1 Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Set aside.
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2 Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the chicken breasts.
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3 Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
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4 Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and diced shallot, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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5 Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
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6 Add the chicken broth, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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7 Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley.
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8 Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
🔧Equipment
- Large skillet (preferably cast iron)
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 4g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0.5g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 36g
📝Notes
Tips: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir it into the sauce at the end.
Watch Video Of How Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken with Herbs Works
This sautéed chicken recipe is one of those reliable dishes I always turn to because it’s quick, flavorful, and never disappoints. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering, it’s easy to scale up and always gets compliments. The best part is how versatile it is—you can serve it with rice, pasta, or even a simple salad, and it still feels special.
