Garlic Butter Chicken Cutlets for Weeknights

Created on January 16th, 2026 at 02:47 pm

A fast and comforting skillet chicken dinner with classic Italian flavor

Garlic butter chicken cutlets are the kind of dinner that saves a weeknight without feeling rushed or boring. Thin chicken cutlets cook quickly, soaking up the richness of butter and the aroma of garlic, creating a dish that feels satisfying and familiar. As the butter melts and sizzles in the pan, it fills the kitchen with a warm, savory scent that instantly signals comfort food is on the way.

This recipe is built for real life. It does not require long marinating times or complicated steps, yet it delivers bold flavor in every bite. The chicken stays tender, the garlic butter coats it beautifully, and the whole dish comes together fast enough to make it a reliable choice when time is short but a home cooked meal still matters.

Quick Facts

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Kitchen Utensils

This recipe is intentionally simple, using everyday tools that make weeknight cooking smooth and efficient. The goal is quick preparation, fast cooking, and easy cleanup.

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Why Chicken Cutlets Are Perfect for Busy Nights

Chicken cutlets are ideal for weeknight dinners because they cook quickly and evenly. By slicing chicken breasts into thinner pieces or pounding them flat, you reduce cooking time while ensuring the meat stays tender and juicy.

Thin cutlets also absorb flavor more easily. In this recipe, the garlic butter clings to the surface of the chicken, creating a rich coating rather than pooling in the pan. This means every bite delivers buttery, garlicky flavor without needing a heavy sauce or long simmering time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• All purpose flour
• Olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Butter
• Garlic cloves
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice

Instructions

This recipe moves quickly, so having everything prepared before you start cooking makes the process even smoother. Once the skillet is hot, the dish comes together in minutes.

1. Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets or pound them gently to an even thickness.
2. Season the chicken on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Lightly dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the chicken cutlets and cook until golden on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
6. Reduce the heat slightly and add butter to the skillet.
7. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking briefly until fragrant.
8. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter over the top.
9. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

If you prefer a lighter finish, you can reduce the amount of butter slightly and add a splash of chicken broth to the pan to create a thinner sauce.

For extra flavor, freshly minced garlic works best, but garlic paste can be used in a pinch.

If you want a gluten free option, replace the flour with a gluten free flour blend or skip dredging entirely. The chicken will still brown nicely.

Storage & Make Ahead

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to preserve the texture of the chicken and the garlic butter sauce.

You can slice and season the chicken earlier in the day and keep it refrigerated, making dinner even faster when it is time to cook.

How This Recipe Fits Into a Weeknight Routine

Garlic butter chicken cutlets are perfect for busy schedules because they require minimal prep and cook time. The entire meal can be on the table in under thirty minutes, making it ideal for nights when you want something homemade without a long process.

This recipe also works well as a base for different meals throughout the week. Serve it one night with pasta, another with vegetables, or slice it for sandwiches or wraps the next day.

Serving Ideas That Keep It Interesting

Serve garlic butter chicken cutlets over pasta or rice to soak up the flavorful butter sauce. Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes are also excellent choices for a heartier meal.

For a lighter option, pair the chicken with a crisp salad or sautéed greens. The richness of the garlic butter balances well with fresh, simple sides.

A Reliable Dinner That Never Feels Plain

This dish proves that simple recipes can still feel special. The combination of garlic, butter, and tender chicken is timeless, offering comfort without feeling heavy or complicated.

Garlic butter chicken cutlets for weeknights are the kind of recipe you keep coming back to because they deliver every time. Fast, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, it is a dependable dinner that fits perfectly into everyday cooking.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. Pound them slightly for even cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning
Lower the heat before adding the garlic and cook it briefly until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly over high heat.

Can I make this recipe dairy free
You can replace butter with a dairy free butter alternative or olive oil, though the flavor will change slightly.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet
Yes, quick cooking vegetables like spinach or zucchini can be added after the garlic butter is made and cooked briefly.