Garlic Butter Chicken
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful meal that brings together the rich flavors of garlic and butter with juicy chicken bites. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. In just under 30 minutes, you can serve up a plate of creamy Parmesan pasta topped with savory garlic butter chicken that will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a fast weeknight dinner.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a deliciously creamy sauce that enhances the chicken and pasta.
- Versatile Meal: Pair it with your choice of pasta or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the tender chicken bites and creamy texture of the sauce.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve it garnished with fresh parsley for a beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this easy Garlic Butter Chicken recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to make your cooking experience smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large pan
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
- Large pan: Perfect for sautéing the chicken and preparing the garlic butter sauce in one place.
- Whisk: Helps to ensure that the Parmesan cheese incorporates smoothly into the sauce without clumps.
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. Once done, 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 brown and fully cooked through. Set aside the cooked chicken.
Step 3: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium in the same pan. Melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Return cooked chicken to the pan, ensuring each piece is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In another pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Briefly sauté additional minced garlic before gradually adding heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a soft simmer.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until your sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Toss your cooked pasta into this creamy Parmesan sauce until it’s evenly coated.
Step 6: Plate Your Dish
On serving plates, add a generous layer of creamy pasta. Top with your flavorful garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and drizzle extra garlic butter if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken served alongside creamy Parmesan pasta!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Serving Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful experience, as this dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- This dish shines when served alongside creamy Parmesan pasta, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Over Rice
- Placing the garlic butter chicken over a bed of fluffy rice allows the sauce to soak in, making each bite irresistible.
On a Salad
- For a lighter option, serve the garlic butter chicken on a fresh green salad topped with your favorite dressing for added crunch.
In Tacos
- Make a fun twist by using the chicken in soft tortillas with avocado and salsa for easy-to-eat tacos that add flavor and excitement.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Pairing the chicken with colorful steamed vegetables adds nutrition and freshness, complementing the rich garlic butter sauce beautifully.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Garlic Butter Chicken, consider these handy tips for perfecting your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs to enhance the flavors significantly.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure that you cook the chicken just until it’s golden brown to retain its juiciness.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; feel free to adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning according to your preference.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain moisture.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese varieties like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for unique flavor profiles in your sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty main course.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice; buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus: The nutty flavor of roasted asparagus offers a vibrant contrast to creamy pasta.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing crunch.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create comfort food vibes and pair well with garlic butter sauce.
- Grilled Zucchini: Lightly grilled zucchini adds a smoky flavor that balances richness.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds brightness and texture to your plate, cutting through the richness of the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking garlic butter chicken can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Not seasoning the chicken properly: Failing to season your chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning can result in bland bites. Always season before cooking for maximum flavor.
- 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’s suggested time.
- Using low-quality butter: The butter is key to rich flavor in garlic butter chicken. Opt for high-quality unsalted butter for the best outcome.
- Sautéing garlic too long: Overcooked garlic can taste bitter. Add minced garlic only until fragrant, about 30 seconds, before mixing in other ingredients.
- Skipping the garnish: Skipping fresh parsley reduces visual appeal and flavor. Always finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that extra touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container.
- It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days when refrigerated.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken
- You can freeze garlic butter chicken in a freezer-safe container.
- It lasts up to 2-3 months in the freezer without losing quality.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making garlic butter chicken:
How do I ensure my Garlic Butter Chicken is juicy?
To keep your garlic butter chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Cook just until golden brown and no longer pink inside.
Can I use different types of pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken?
Yes! While fettuccine works well, you can use any pasta you prefer—penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options.
What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic butter chicken pairs wonderfully with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Is Garlic Butter Chicken suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily while retaining its delicious flavors.
Final Thoughts
Garlic butter chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding veggies or adjusting spices according to your taste. Give this comforting recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and delicious dish that harmonizes the rich flavors of garlic and butter with tender, juicy chicken. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The addition of creamy Parmesan pasta elevates this comforting meal, making it an instant favorite at the dinner table. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish not only tastes incredible but also looks impressive, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the last.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (4 for chicken, 2 for pasta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Return chicken to the pan; coat with the garlic butter.
- In another pan, melt butter; sauté remaining garlic briefly before adding heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer gently.
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth; season as needed. Toss cooked pasta in this creamy sauce.
- Serve: On plates, add creamy pasta topped with garlic butter chicken; garnish with parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 635
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
