Garlic Butter Chicken
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is the perfect blend of flavor and convenience, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce pair beautifully with creamy Parmesan pasta, creating a comforting meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and Italian seasoning creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates ordinary chicken to extraordinary.
- Versatile pairing: Serve with your favorite pasta or even rice for a flexible meal option that suits any palate.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious flavors of this dish, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Easy cleanup: With minimal pots and pans used, you can enjoy your meal and spend less time cleaning up.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you begin. Having the right equipment at hand makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta quickly and evenly.
- Large pan: Perfect for sautéing chicken and preparing the garlic butter sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for balanced flavors.
Ingredients
This easy-to-make dish features juicy garlic butter chicken bites paired with creamy Parmesan pasta for a comforting meal in under 30 minutes.
For the Garlic Butter Chicken
- Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless: 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Butter, unsalted: 4 tablespoons.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
- Salt and pepper: to taste.
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon.
- Parsley, fresh: chopped, for garnish.
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Fettuccine or any preferred pasta: 12 oz.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: 1 cup.
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup.
- Salt and pepper: to taste.
- Extra garlic butter: optional, for drizzling.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta until it’s just tender. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium in the same pan where you cooked the chicken. Melt the butter. Add minced garlic; sauté briefly until fragrant. Reintroduce the cooked chicken into the pan, ensuring an even coating with this delicious sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a separate pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Briefly sauté additional minced garlic before gradually adding heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a soft simmer.
Step 5: Finish Your Sauce
Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Toss your cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce until well-coated. Plate your pasta first then top it with those succulent garlic butter chicken bites.
Step 7: Garnish
Garnish your dish with fresh parsley. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some optional garlic butter on top before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Garlic Butter Chicken meal!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- This classic pairing enhances the flavors of the garlic butter chicken while adding a rich, creamy texture.
With Fresh Salad
- A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish, providing freshness in every bite.
In a Wrap
- For a quick lunch, wrap the garlic butter chicken in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a tasty handheld meal.
On Rice
- Serve the chicken over fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious garlic butter sauce. Consider using jasmine or basmati for added flavor.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Pairing garlic butter chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition to your plate, making it visually appealing.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Garlic Butter Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance the overall taste of your dish, making it more aromatic and flavorful.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking chicken pieces in batches helps ensure they sear properly and develop that perfect golden crust.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning according to your preference for a personalized flavor.
- Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, resulting in moist and tender bites.
- Add extra garlic butter: Drizzling some extra garlic butter on top just before serving can elevate the dish’s flavors even further.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
-
Steamed Broccoli
A simple and nutritious side that complements the richness of the main dish without overpowering it. -
Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the garlic butter chicken, this crunchy side is always a crowd-pleaser. -
Caesar Salad
The crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta and buttery chicken. -
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes make for a hearty addition that pairs beautifully with garlic butter flavors. -
Grilled Asparagus
Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds a touch of elegance while offering a delightful crunch alongside your meal. -
Quinoa Pilaf
A healthy alternative packed with protein; quinoa pilaf can be flavored with herbs for an exciting twist on traditional grains. -
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Their natural sweetness offers a nice balance to savory flavors while adding vibrant color to your plate. -
Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that perfectly complements garlic butter chicken’s savory notes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry and tough bites. Cook until just golden and ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.
- Not seasoning properly: Insufficient seasoning can dull the flavors. Don’t forget to season both the chicken and the pasta sauce generously.
- Using too much heat: Cooking on high heat can burn the garlic. Always sauté over medium heat to bring out its flavor without bitterness.
- Skipping the resting time: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain juices. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Ignoring pasta timing: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Always check for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if necessary to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights.
How do I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken?
You can customize your Garlic Butter Chicken by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli or using different herbs and spices for varied flavors.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
What side dishes go well with Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic Butter Chicken pairs nicely with steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.
How spicy is Garlic Butter Chicken?
This recipe is not spicy unless you add hot peppers or chili flakes. It’s mild and flavorful, focusing on garlic and herbs.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken is an irresistible dish that combines juicy chicken with creamy Parmesan pasta in just under 30 minutes. Its versatility allows for countless variations, so feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re serving dinner on a busy weeknight or impressing guests, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a sensational dish that brings together tender chicken bites and a rich garlic butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan pasta. This comforting meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, ready in just 30 minutes. The delightful combination of garlic, butter, and Italian seasonings creates a mouthwatering flavor that will impress both family and guests. With easy preparation and minimal cleanup, this recipe ensures you enjoy a satisfying homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Elevate your dinner with this irresistible garlic-infused dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic (4 for chicken, 2 for pasta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes); set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then return chicken to the pan to coat well in the sauce.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté remaining garlic before adding heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce; plate pasta and top with garlic butter chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley; drizzle with extra garlic butter if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
