Garlic Butter Chicken
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of rich flavors and comforting textures. It combines juicy chicken bites drenched in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates an irresistible taste that will satisfy your cravings.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it with any pasta type or serve it over rice for a different twist.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great option for family dinners.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook in batches and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—this dish reheats wonderfully!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Below are some essential items you’ll need to whip up this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Serving plates
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently without overcrowding.
- Large skillet: Provides ample space for cooking chicken evenly while allowing easy stirring of the sauce.
- Whisk: Essential for smoothly mixing the creamy sauce ingredients together.
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: Sauté 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 and cooked through. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same pan where you cooked the chicken. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pan, ensuring it’s well-coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In another pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Sauté extra minced garlic briefly. Gradually add heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a soft simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until thickened and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
Step 6: Plate Your Dish
Plate the pasta on serving plates. Top each plate with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and drizzle extra garlic butter if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken—it’s a meal that’s sure to impress!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- This dish is the star of the show! Serve the garlic butter chicken atop a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta for a comforting and delicious combination.
With Garlic Bread
- A classic choice! Crispy garlic bread complements the flavors of the chicken and is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
With Steamed Vegetables
- For a healthier option, serve garlic butter chicken with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. The veggies add color and nutrition.
With Fresh Salad
- A light salad can balance the richness of the dish. Consider a simple mixed greens salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Drizzled with Extra Garlic Butter
- Take it up a notch by drizzling extra garlic butter over the chicken before serving. It adds an extra layer of flavor that garlic lovers will appreciate.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
To ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips for best results.
- Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs elevate the dish’s flavor, making it more aromatic and delicious.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking chicken in batches prevents steaming, allowing each piece to get golden brown and crispy.
- Let it rest: Allow cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture and enhances tenderness.
- Use unsalted butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over seasoning, helping you avoid an overly salty dish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different. Always taste your dishes while cooking to adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Chicken enhances your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the richness of the chicken well.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Caramelized Brussels sprouts add a slight bitterness that balances the flavors perfectly.
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad provides crunch and tanginess, adding freshness alongside rich chicken.
- Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs offers a neutral base that absorbs all those delicious sauces.
- Zucchini Noodles – For a low-carb alternative, zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil are light yet satisfying.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob brings a touch of sweetness that pairs nicely with savory chicken dishes.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil make for a refreshing side that complements Italian-American cuisine beautifully.
- Grilled Asparagus – Lightly charred asparagus adds texture and a slight smokiness that contrasts well with buttery chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish from good to great.
- Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry pieces. Cook the chicken just until it’s golden and fully cooked through.
- Skipping seasoning: Failing to season at every step can result in bland flavors. Be generous with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Not using fresh garlic: Fresh garlic enhances flavor significantly. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best results.
- Neglecting the pasta cooking time: Pasta should be cooked al dente for perfect texture. Follow package instructions and taste test before draining.
- Ignoring sauce consistency: A thick sauce clings to pasta better. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken
- Freeze in a sturdy container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Chicken that might help you get the best results.
What is Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served typically with pasta.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper while cooking the chicken for an extra kick of heat.
Is Garlic Butter Chicken healthy?
This recipe can be made healthier by using less butter and adding more vegetables, making it a balanced meal option.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. Its creamy Parmesan pasta pairs perfectly with tender chicken bites, offering a comforting meal any night of the week. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours!
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful, quick-to-prepare dish that will elevate your weeknight dinners. This meal features tender chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over creamy Parmesan pasta, delivering a perfect combination of flavors and comfort. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is not only delicious but also versatile; you can pair it with various sides or switch up the ingredients to suit your taste. Ideal for busy families or special occasions, Garlic Butter Chicken is bound to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy a satisfying dinner that brings warmth and joy to your dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic (4 for chicken, 2 for pasta)
- 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
- In another pan, melt butter for the creamy sauce. Sauté remaining garlic briefly before adding heavy cream and chicken broth. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until well 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 (about 300g)
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
