Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful option for those busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy chicken bites enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with creamy Parmesan pasta. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough for family dinners or entertaining guests. The combination of flavors makes it stand out, ensuring that each bite is a savory experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: The garlic butter sauce adds a rich depth of flavor to the chicken, complemented by creamy Parmesan pasta.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a hearty main dish or pair it with a salad for a lighter option.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting meal, making it a great choice for any occasion.
• Minimal Cleanup: With just one pan for the chicken and another for the pasta, cleanup is a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your delicious garlic butter chicken, gather all necessary tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large pan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large pan: Perfect for sautéing chicken and creating the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly when preparing the creamy Parmesan sauce.

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 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 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. Add your preferred pasta and cook until it’s just tender. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan where you cooked the chicken, melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to this pan, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the garlic butter sauce.

Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In another pan, melt additional butter over medium heat. Briefly sauté extra minced garlic before adding heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Toss your drained pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Plate your creamy pasta first, then top it with delicious garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle some extra garlic butter if desired. Enjoy your flavorful meal!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic butter chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• This dish comes together beautifully when served atop a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta, allowing the garlic butter chicken to shine.

Over Rice

• Serve the garlic butter chicken over fluffy rice for a filling meal. The rice absorbs the rich flavors of the garlic butter sauce.

With Crusty Bread

• A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce, adding a delightful texture to your meal.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and a pop of color, enhancing both presentation and taste.

Alongside Grilled Vegetables

• Complement your garlic butter chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a healthy touch.

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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 garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a robust flavor compared to pre-minced options.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to achieve a nice sear without steaming it.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed during cooking for optimal flavor.
• Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps retain its juices.
• Use high-quality butter: Good quality unsalted butter enhances the richness of the sauce significantly.
• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional layers of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your garlic butter chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting companion.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the chicken.
3. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast with its tangy dressing and crunchy croutons.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized sprouts offer an earthy flavor that complements the garlic butter nicely.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers gives a healthy grain option.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a crunchy texture that complements the tender chicken.
7. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings sweetness and pairs wonderfully with savory flavors.
8. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with garlic flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, and making garlic butter chicken is no exception. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Properly seasoning your chicken is crucial. Without salt and pepper, your dish may taste bland. Always season before cooking.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden color and check doneness with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F.
• Using cold ingredients: Adding cold cream to hot sauce can cause separation. Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before combining them.
• Not measuring ingredients: Guessing measurements can lead to an imbalanced flavor. Use precise measurements for both the garlic butter sauce and pasta.
• Forgetting to garnish: Skipping garnishes like parsley can make your dish less appealing. A sprinkle of fresh herbs enhances presentation and flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the garlic butter chicken to cool before sealing.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Divide into portions for easier reheating later.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth until warmed, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about garlic butter chicken that might help you out.

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

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

How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken healthier?

You can use skinless chicken breasts and reduce the amount of butter used. Additionally, serve it with vegetables instead of pasta for a lighter meal.

Can I customize Garlic Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the dish or substitute different herbs based on your preferences.

What sides go well with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Pair this dish with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Final Thoughts

Garlic butter chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. This versatile recipe allows room for customization based on your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to try it out and enjoy a cozy meal that everyone will love!