Garlic Basil Chicken Recipe - 20 Minute Dinner

Name: Garlic Basil Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half and pounded thin (6 average sized breasts)); salt and pepper (to taste); 1 cup chicken broth; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons garlic cloves (minced or grated); 3 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped and fresh)

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This Garlic Basil Chicken recipe is tender and juicy chicken smothered in a rich garlic sauce, topped with fresh basil! It is made on the stovetop and done in 20 minutes. The perfect option for busy days, dinner parties, or a romantic date night in.

Browse all my quick and easy meals here! This chicken tastes great with my Smashed Fingerling Potatoes!

Juicy Chicken Slices topped with fresh basil and smothered in garlic sauce. Close up shot of a slice.

This Garlic Basil Chicken recipe has become a family favorite, and for good reasons! The pan-fried chicken is so juicy and tender while the sauce is rich and garlic-ey. Not to mention the basil which adds a fresh and herbaceous note.

I guarantee this recipe will become a favorite in your house and be put on repeat! If you are craving more pan-fried chicken, I highly recommend this Dijon Chicken from my friend Sara.

Garlic Basil Chicken Ingredients

Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken. Make sure you are using a high quality, high smoke point olive oil or your chicken could have a acrid flavor.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are the best. If yours are very large like mine were, you may have to cut them in half and pound them thin.
Salt and Black Pepper: To season the chicken breast prior to searing. I give recommended amounts but always season to your taste preferences.
Chicken Broth: This is the base of our sauce. I used low sodium. You can also use vegetable broth, dry white wine, or even water. Just keep in mind it will alter the flavor of your sauce if you use anything other than chicken broth.
Butter: Use unsalted butter or your sauce will be extremely salty.
Garlic: Freshly grated or minced garlic cloves taste the best. I do not recommend jarred garlic or garlic powder because the garlic flavor will not be as pronounced.
Basil: Fresh is always the best. Dried basil just doesn’t have the best flavor.

Ingredients for 20 Minute Garlic Basil Chicken. Chicken breast, garlic, butter, salt, pepper, chicken broth.

How to Make Garlic Basil Chicken

Here is a quick overview on how to make this Garlic Basil Chicken Recipe. The recipe card below will have complete details and instructions.

HEAT OLIVE OIL in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides while your pan heats up.

SEAR CHICKEN BREASTS on both sides. Make sure you do not move the chicken (only when flipping) once it is placed in the skillet or it will not sear properly. Once it is fully cooked remove the chicken breast from the skillet and set aside to rest.

MAKE THE GARLIC SAUCE. In your skillet over medium heat, melt butter and scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan (it add so much flavor). Saute the garlic until fragrant and add the chicken broth. Allow the sauce to reduce over medium-high heat.

ADD THE CHICKEN BACK INTO SAUCE and coat thoroughly. Top with fresh basil and serve immediately!

20 Minute Garlic Basil Chicken- overhead shot of smothered chicken breast in garlic sauce in the pan heating together.

20 Minute Garlic Basil Chicken. Sliced chicken breast on a dinner plate with fresh green basil on top. Surrounded by decorative basil and garlic.

Tips For Juicy Chicken Breasts

Use a high quality cooking oil for searing (I like extra virgin olive oil). From the extended cooking times, if you use butter or a low quality oil it heats up to very high temperatures. Those high temperatures create smoke and burn your chicken with potentially acrid and unhealthy compounds.
Cut your chicken breasts in half and pound to an even thickness. This tenderizes the chicken and allows them to cook more evenly and quicker.
Be sure your pan is piping hot before adding your chicken breasts or they will not sear properly.
Do not, I repeat, do not move the chicken breast at all once they are in the pan because it will also prevent them from searing and cooking properly.
Once your chicken is cooked to 160 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit allow it to rest for five minutes. Resting allows the moisture to be re-absorbed and your meat will be tender and juicy.

What To Serve With Garlic Basil Chicken

Because this recipe is done on the stove top I like to choose sides that require little attention.

My go-to is Roasted Potatoes and Cauliflower because it is done in the same amount of time it takes to make the chicken. All you do is set your oven to 425 degrees, toss quartered potatoes and cauliflower in olive oil and seasoning of you choice, throw on a baking sheet, and bake for 15- 20 minutes.

I also like Steamed Rice and Broccoli. The rice only takes five minutes on the stovetop and the microwave steamed broccoli only takes about six minutes. To amp up the steamed broccoli I throw a tablespoon of butter and seasoning in the bag once it is done cooking and shake it up. I will spoon some of the garlic sauce over the rice which is super delicious.

Or try it with my Lemon Orzo Salad, English Pea Salad, or Lemon Feta Fries.

Juicy Chicken Slices topped with fresh basil and smothered in garlic sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Garlic Basil Chicken Recipe

When are chicken breasts fully cooked?

There are 2 ways to tell if your chicken is fully cooked. One, the thickest part of the chicken should be 160 to 165 degrees F with a digital thermometer. Two, when the chicken is cut in half the juices should run clear with no pink colored meat, only white.

Can I use dried basil and garlic?

Technically yes, although I do not recommend it. Dried and powdered herbs and seasoning tend to lose their potency and flavor. Always go for fresh basil and fresh garlic cloves in this recipe.

What can I use other than chicken broth to make the sauce?

Chicken broth alternatives include dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, vegetable broth, a chicken bullion cube with water, or water. Just make sure the chicken broth is replaced with equal parts of another liquid.

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