Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful meal that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish combines juicy chicken bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with creamy Parmesan pasta. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting meal that your family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a rich taste that elevates the chicken and pasta.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main course or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish.
• Minimal Cleanup: With just one pan needed for the chicken and another for the sauce, cleanup is a breeze!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta efficiently while providing enough space for it to cook evenly.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing the chicken and creating the delicious garlic butter sauce in one pan.

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. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until it’s just tender. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet. Melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is well coated with the garlic butter sauce.

Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In another pan, melt some additional butter over medium heat. Sauté extra minced garlic briefly before adding heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Toss in the drained pasta until it’s evenly coated in this creamy sauce.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Plate your creamy Parmesan pasta first. Top it generously with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness. If desired, drizzle extra garlic butter on top before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Garlic Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is not just a main dish; it’s a versatile meal that pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• This dish features the same creamy sauce, making it a perfect match for the garlic butter chicken.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

On a Bed of Spinach

• For a lighter option, serve the chicken on fresh spinach leaves, allowing the warmth from the chicken to wilt the greens slightly.

With Garlic Bread

• Pairing with garlic bread creates an excellent opportunity to scoop up any leftover sauce.

In Tacos

• Transform your leftovers into tasty tacos by placing the chicken in corn or flour tortillas and adding your favorite toppings like avocado and salsa.

As Meal Prep

• Portion out the garlic butter chicken with sides in meal prep containers for quick lunches throughout the week.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried alternatives.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking too much chicken at once can lead to steaming instead of browning. Do it in batches if necessary.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for balanced flavor.

• Let it Rest: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain its juices.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting texture alongside the chicken.

2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add color and nutrition to your plate.

3. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad brings freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

4. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds a healthy touch and beautiful green contrast to your meal.

5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and tomatoes offers a nutritious grain option.

6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the savory flavors of garlic butter chicken perfectly during summer months.

7. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, helping cut through the richness of the dish.

8. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes bring a hint of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory chicken bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking garlic butter chicken can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the dish’s final flavor and texture.

• Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry and tough bites. Always cook until just done and golden brown.
• Using too much salt: It’s easy to over-season. Start with a small amount, then adjust after tasting.
• Not preheating the pan: A cold pan won’t sear the chicken properly. Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil.
• Skipping the resting time: Letting the chicken rest allows juices to redistribute. Don’t cut into it right away.
• Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness. Don’t skip the garnish for added flavor and visual appeal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store garlic butter chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or bag; it will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making garlic butter chicken.

What is garlic butter chicken?

Garlic butter chicken is a flavorful dish made with tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, often served with pasta or rice.

How can I customize garlic butter chicken?

You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition or spice it up with red pepper flakes for heat.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! Garlic butter sauce works well with shrimp or pork as alternatives to chicken.

Is garlic butter chicken healthy?

While delicious, it’s essential to enjoy it in moderation due to its richness. You can make it healthier by using less butter or adding more vegetables.

Final Thoughts

Garlic butter chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can adapt it based on your pantry staples or dietary preferences. Give this recipe a try and experience its comforting flavors that are sure to please everyone at your table!