Garlic Butter Chicken
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken bites with rich, buttery flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this meal can be ready in under 30 minutes. The creamy Parmesan pasta complements the savory chicken, making it a comforting and satisfying choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a deliciously rich flavor that will please everyone at the table.
- Versatile Meal: Pair the garlic butter chicken with any pasta you prefer or serve it over rice for a different twist.
- Crowd Pleaser: With its hearty ingredients and creamy sauce, this dish is sure to impress family and friends during gatherings or dinners.
- Easy Cleanup: Most of the cooking happens in just two pans, making cleanup a breeze.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Whisk
- Serving plates
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Pot: Ideal for boiling pasta quickly while you prepare the chicken.
- Large Pan: Perfect for cooking both the chicken and the garlic butter sauce in one place.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency for 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.
Ingredients:
– 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.
– 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 it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium in the same pan used for the chicken. Melt the unsalted butter completely.
Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and coat evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate pan, melt additional butter over medium heat. Sauté extra minced garlic briefly before moving forward.
Gradually add heavy cream and chicken broth while bringing to a soft simmer.
Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until thickened and smooth; season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss your cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
Plate your creamy pasta first. Top generously with garlic butter chicken bites.
Garnish with chopped parsley and drizzle with extra garlic butter if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Chicken, perfect for dinner tonight!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic butter chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its rich flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- The creamy sauce clings to the pasta, making it a perfect base for the garlic butter chicken bites.
Over Steamed Vegetables
- Freshly steamed broccoli or green beans add a nutritious crunch that complements the richness of the chicken.
In a Salad
- Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken.
With Garlic Bread
- Serve garlic bread on the side for a delicious way to soak up any extra garlic butter sauce.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil adds freshness and color, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
To create the perfect garlic butter chicken, follow these essential tips that guarantee juicy and flavorful bites every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs provide more vibrant flavors compared to dried or processed options.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Aim for golden-brown pieces. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to suit your preferences before serving.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking for juicier bites—this step helps retain moisture.
- Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice or white wine for extra depth in your garlic butter sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken
When planning your meal, consider these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly with garlic butter chicken. They add variety and complement its flavors beautifully.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting addition that soaks up sauces well.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing provides a cool contrast to the warm chicken.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus offers a crunchy texture and bright flavor that balances out the richness of the dish.
- Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty grain dish adds healthy fiber while absorbing any leftover sauce from the chicken.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction offer brightness alongside the rich main course.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil makes an excellent low-carb base for your chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking garlic butter chicken can be a breeze, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure you don’t cook the chicken for too long. This makes it dry and less enjoyable. Aim for a golden brown color after 6-8 minutes.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Failing to season your chicken properly can lead to bland dishes. Always taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before serving.
- Ignoring Pasta Cooking Time: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Monitor it closely and aim for al dente texture for the best results.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using old or dried-out garlic can affect flavor. Fresh garlic enhances the dish significantly, so always use fresh when possible.
- Neglecting Sauces: Forgetting to reserve some pasta water can make it hard to achieve a creamy consistency in your sauce. Save a cup of water before draining.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container.
- It can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken
- Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring between.
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium-low heat in a pan, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about garlic butter chicken that many home cooks have.
What is Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic butter chicken is a delicious dish made with tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic and butter, often served with pasta.
Can I customize the recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, switch up the pasta type, or adjust the spices according to your preference.
How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken spicy?
To add some heat, include red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers when cooking the chicken.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs well with fresh salads, crusty bread, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Garlic butter chicken is not only quick and easy but also offers endless customization options. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to impress guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try today!
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a scrumptious dish that brings together tender chicken bites sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served alongside creamy Parmesan pasta. This quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, as it can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. With its irresistible combination of buttery flavors and savory chicken, this meal is sure to impress everyone at the dinner table. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting family dinner or an elegant gathering centerpiece, Garlic Butter Chicken will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced, divided)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium; melt 4 tablespoons butter in the same pan. Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves until fragrant. Return chicken to pan and coat with garlic butter sauce.
- In another pan, melt remaining butter over medium heat, sauté remaining garlic briefly, then add heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked pasta into the creamy sauce until coated. Serve pasta topped with garlic butter chicken and garnish with parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
