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Garlic Butter Chicken (Juicy Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs)
RecipesHigh ProteinDinnerLow CarbQuick & Easy

Garlic Butter Chicken (Juicy Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs)

15 mins
Easy
4 Servings
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Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 2 min read read📅 Updated: July 8, 2026

Make super juicy Garlic Butter Chicken in 20 minutes. Pan-seared golden chicken thighs spooned with a rich garlic, butter, and lemon parsley glaze.

Key Takeaways

  • Ready in just 15 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • Delivers 38g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • Portion-balanced at 360 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

Garlic Butter Chicken (Juicy Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs)

Executive Summary & Quick Highlights

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 portions | Calories: 360 kcal
Macros: 38g Protein, 2g Carbs, 22g Fat, 0g Fiber
Key Culinary Secret: Basting the chicken cutlets continuously with melted garlic butter during the final 2 minutes seals in extreme moisture!

Step-by-Step Culinary Instructions

Step 1: Season & Sear

Season chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F).

Step 2: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower heat to medium-low. Melt butter in the skillet, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until golden and fragrant. Stir in fresh lemon juice.

Step 3: Baste & Serve

Spoon the bubbling garlic butter sauce over the seared chicken continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately!

Garlic Butter Chicken (Juicy Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs)

Make super juicy Garlic Butter Chicken in 20 minutes. Pan-seared golden chicken thighs spooned with a rich garlic, butter, and lemon parsley glaze.

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Garlic Butter Chicken (Juicy Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs)
CourseDinner
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories18% DV
360 kcal
Protein76% DV
38g
Fat28% DV
22g
Carbs1% DV
2g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Chicken breastTurkey breast or extra-firm tofu (1:1 ratio)
Dino kale/greensBaby spinach or Swiss chard (cooks faster, add at the end)

Instructions

1

Season & Sear: Season chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F).

7:00
2

Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low. Melt butter in the skillet, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until golden and fragrant. Stir in fresh lemon juice.

1:00
3

Baste & Serve: Spoon the bubbling garlic butter sauce over the seared chicken continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately!

2:00

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Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Nutritionist & Recipe Developer

Stewart Lucas is a nutritionist and recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and diet protocols published on this site are designed and audited by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy.

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