Garlic Butter Chicken
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful dish that delivers on flavor and comfort in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this meal combines juicy chicken bites coated in rich garlic butter with creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s a recipe that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests with its simplicity and taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic butter and creamy Parmesan creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Versatile Pairing: Serve it with any preferred pasta or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Comfort Food Classic: Rich, hearty, and satisfying, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Easy Clean-Up: With minimal cooking equipment needed, you’ll spend less time cleaning up.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you’ll need to whip up this amazing garlic butter chicken.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Large pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of the chicken and perfect sauce consistency.
- Large pot: Used to boil the pasta efficiently while you prepare the chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor balance.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients while keeping your kitchen organized.
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 it and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare 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 cooked through. Set aside.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same pan used for chicken. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken back into the pan and coat evenly with the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Sauté additional minced garlic briefly before gradually adding heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a soft simmer.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until thickened and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Toss cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce ensuring even coverage throughout.
Step 7: Plate Your Dish
Plate your pasta beautifully on serving dishes. Top each serving generously with garlic butter chicken bites.
Step 8: Garnish
Finish off by garnishing with fresh parsley. Drizzle extra garlic butter if desired for an added flavor boost!
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken served over creamy Parmesan pasta!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic butter chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it in various ways to elevate your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to consider.
Over Creamy Pasta
- This dish pairs beautifully with creamy fettuccine or any pasta of your choice, allowing the garlic butter sauce to coat the noodles perfectly.
With a Fresh Salad
- A crisp garden salad adds a refreshing crunch. Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for balance.
On a Bed of Rice
- Serve the garlic butter chicken over fluffy white rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. The grains soak up the flavorful sauce nicely.
In a Wrap
- For a quick lunch, wrap the chicken and pasta in a tortilla with fresh veggies. This makes for a satisfying and portable meal option.
As Part of a Platter
- Create an impressive platter by adding roasted vegetables and breadsticks alongside your garlic butter chicken for sharing at gatherings.
With Garlic Bread
- Enhance the garlic flavor by serving with warm, buttery garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce!
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
To ensure your garlic butter chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides better flavor than pre-minced options, enhancing the taste of your dish.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed. This helps achieve that perfect golden brown color without steaming.
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Adjust seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed during cooking to suit your palate.
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Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking will help retain its juices, making each bite tender and succulent.
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Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or basil for additional layers of flavor that complement the garlic butter well.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken
Pairing side dishes with garlic butter chicken can elevate your meal and provide variety. Here are some great options to consider:
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic make a comforting side that complements the flavors of the chicken.
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Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients. Its mild flavor balances nicely with rich dishes like garlic butter chicken.
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Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned and roasted asparagus spears offer a delightful crunch and enhance your meal’s presentation with their vibrant color.
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Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese, bringing freshness to your plate.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn brushed with butter adds a fun twist while providing a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
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Herb Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous tossed with herbs provides an excellent base that absorbs all the delicious sauces from your main dish.
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Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, spiralized zucchini can be sautéed lightly and served alongside your garlic butter chicken as a gluten-free alternative.
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Baked Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet baked sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with savory dishes while adding a healthy touch to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking garlic butter chicken can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
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Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season the chicken before cooking to enhance its taste.
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Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente by checking it a minute or two before the package instructions suggest.
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Not using fresh garlic: Using pre-minced garlic can diminish the dish’s flavor. Fresh garlic adds a robust taste that is essential for this recipe.
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Neglecting to let the sauce simmer: Rushing through the sauce preparation can result in a watery texture. Allow it to simmer until thickened for a creamy consistency.
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Ignoring garnishes: Skipping out on garnishes like parsley can make your dish look less appealing. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and freshness to your meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
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Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
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Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm.
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Stovetop: Warm over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream, stirring often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about garlic butter chicken:
What is Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic butter chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken bits cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, often served with pasta.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
How spicy is Garlic Butter Chicken?
This dish isn’t inherently spicy but you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer a kick!
What side dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad complement this dish nicely.
Can I customize the recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
Garlic butter chicken is not just easy to prepare; it’s also versatile and comforting. You can customize it with different herbs or veggies based on what you have on hand. Try this delightful recipe tonight and enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love!
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines juicy chicken bites with a rich garlic butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan pasta. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, as it can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The delightful flavors of garlic and butter meld beautifully with the creamy pasta, creating a comforting meal that is sure to impress family and friends. With minimal cleanup required, this dish not only satisfies your cravings but also makes cooking a breeze. Try this Garlic Butter Chicken tonight for an unforgettable dining experience!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown (about 6-8 minutes). Set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
- Prepare Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In another pan, melt butter over medium heat, sauté additional garlic, then stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer gently.
- Finish Sauce: Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and thickened; season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta into the creamy sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top generously with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 330g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
