Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Featuring juicy chicken bites glazed in a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish pairs beautifully with creamy Parmesan pasta. In under 30 minutes, you can serve a meal that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare – With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavor Explosion – The combination of garlic and butter elevates the chicken to new heights, creating a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Pairing – Serve with your choice of pasta or even rice for a delightful twist.
• Family-Friendly – This dish appeals to both adults and kids, making it a hit at family gatherings.
• Satisfying Meal – Packed with protein and creamy goodness, it’s sure to satisfy your hunger.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this easy recipe, gather your tools to streamline the 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 evenly and preparing the garlic butter sauce.
• Whisk – Helps in achieving a smooth consistency in your 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 the pasta and cook until just tender. Drain it well and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

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

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium in the same pan. Melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and coat it evenly with the sauce.

Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate pan over medium heat, melt additional butter. Sauté extra minced garlic briefly before gradually adding heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a soft simmer.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.

Step 6: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Toss cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce ensuring every piece is covered nicely.

Step 7: Serve

Plate your creamy pasta first then top it generously with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle extra garlic butter if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken meal!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

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

With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• Toss the garlic butter chicken directly over a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta for a rich and satisfying main course.

Garnished with Fresh Parsley

• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top of the chicken before serving. This adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish.

Drizzled with Extra Garlic Butter

• For those who adore garlic, drizzle additional garlic butter over the chicken just before serving. It enhances the flavor and richness.

Served with Crusty Bread

• Pair the dish with slices of crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and adds a lovely texture contrast.

Accompanied by Seasonal Vegetables

• Serve alongside sautéed or roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for a balanced meal full of nutrients.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• For a different base, serve the garlic butter chicken over rice or quinoa. This makes for an easy and filling option.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To make your garlic butter chicken truly exceptional, consider these handy tips.

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor than pre-minced options. This elevates the overall taste of your dish.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until it is golden brown and cooked through. Overcooking can lead to dry meat.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and seasonings according to your preference for optimal flavor.

• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain its juices, making it more tender.

• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary in addition to Italian seasoning for extra depth in flavor.

• Serve Immediately: Garlic butter chicken is best enjoyed fresh off the stove while it’s warm and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

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

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, this buttery bread complements the flavors of garlic in your main dish perfectly.

2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the chicken.

3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy, vibrant side that contrasts nicely with creamy pasta.

4. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make a hearty accompaniment that pairs well with any sauce.

5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that balances out the savory flavors of garlic butter chicken.

6. Grilled Asparagus: Grilling asparagus gives it a smoky flavor that complements the rich taste of garlic butter nicely.

7. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf infused with herbs makes an excellent base for soaking up any leftover sauce from your dish.

8. Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of pasta and chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes you should avoid:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for a delicious result.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden brown finish and ensure it’s cooked through without being overdone.
• Not using fresh garlic: Using pre-minced or dried garlic can dull the flavor. Fresh minced garlic gives the dish its signature taste and aroma.
• Ignoring the pasta cooking time: Overcooking pasta can lead to a mushy texture. Cook it al dente as it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.
• Forgetting to garnish: Skipping the parsley garnish can make your dish look less appealing. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and freshness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Keep frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Garlic Butter Chicken that may help you:

Can I use other types of chicken?

You can use thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts if you prefer darker meat. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

What pasta works best with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Fettuccine is ideal, but any pasta like penne or spaghetti will work well with this recipe.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.

How spicy is Garlic Butter Chicken?

This recipe is not spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes if you enjoy some heat.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken offers an irresistible blend of flavors that make it perfect for any dinner table. With its creamy Parmesan pasta companion, this meal is both comforting and satisfying. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices to suit your taste!