Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken bites sautéed in rich garlic butter, served over creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. In under 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that will impress your family or guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Garlic Butter Chicken comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the chicken and pasta.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a hearty main course or pair it with a salad for a lighter option.
- Family-Friendly: With its delicious flavors and appealing presentation, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
- One-Pan Cooking: Minimal cleanup is required since most of the cooking happens in one pan.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Garlic Butter Chicken efficiently, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large pan
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.
- Large pan: Perfect for sautéing the chicken and creating the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly when making 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 (for sauce).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (for sauce).
- 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 fettuccine or your preferred pasta. Cook until just tender, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare 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 cooked through. Once done, set aside.
Step 3: Make the 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 the cooked chicken to the pan and ensure an even coating with the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In another pan, melt some additional butter over medium heat. Sauté extra minced garlic briefly. Gradually add heavy cream and chicken broth while bringing it to a soft simmer. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until thickened and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Toss the drained pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated. Plate this delicious pasta and top it with your garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle extra garlic butter if desired.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a delightful Garlic Butter Chicken dish ready to serve! Enjoy your flavorful meal!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic butter chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that elevate this comforting meal.
Serve with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- This dish pairs perfectly with the creamy Parmesan pasta from the recipe, allowing the rich garlic butter sauce to complement the pasta’s texture.
Top on a Fresh Salad
- For a lighter option, serve garlic butter chicken over a fresh salad. The crunch of greens and veggies adds freshness while balancing the richness of the chicken.
Accompany with Garlic Bread
- Garlic bread makes an excellent side for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce. It’s easy to prepare and adds a delicious crunch.
Pair with Steamed Vegetables
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans provide a healthy contrast to the savory chicken. Their vibrant colors also make your plate more appealing.
Serve in Tacos
- For a fun twist, use garlic butter chicken as a filling for tacos. Top with avocado, salsa, and cheese for added flavor.
Garnish with Extra Parsley
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens the dish but also enhances its flavor profile.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
To achieve the best garlic butter chicken, keep these tips in mind:
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs elevate flavor significantly compared to dried alternatives.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and browning of the chicken pieces.
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Monitor heat levels: Keeping the heat at medium allows for thorough cooking without burning the garlic.
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Customize seasoning: Feel free to adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning according to your taste preferences.
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Rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes helps retain its juices for a more succulent bite.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken
Adding side dishes can enhance your meal experience with garlic butter chicken. Here are some fantastic options:
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that complements the chicken well.
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Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with olive oil and roasted until tender, asparagus adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
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Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast with its romaine lettuce, croutons, and creamy dressing.
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Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs offers a nutritious alternative that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of garlic butter chicken.
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Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and balsamic glaze create a refreshing side that balances out the meal’s richness.
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Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles are a low-carb option that adds color and nutrition without overwhelming flavors.
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Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter makes an excellent seasonal side that everyone loves.
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Parmesan Risotto: Creamy risotto topped with Parmesan cheese elevates this dish into an elegant dining experience while complementing the main flavors beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks make simple errors that can affect the outcome of their Garlic Butter Chicken. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken for too long makes it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Not Seasoning Enough: Under-seasoned chicken can taste bland. Always season your chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Low-quality butter or pasta can compromise the dish. Opt for good-quality unsalted butter and fresh pasta for the best results.
- Skipping the Sauce: The garlic butter sauce is essential for flavor. Don’t rush this step; allow the garlic to sauté until fragrant before adding chicken.
- Not Garnishing: A garnish adds a finishing touch. Use fresh parsley to enhance both flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Garlic Butter Chicken can last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Chicken.
Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well too! They remain juicy and flavorful during cooking.
How do I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prepping.
What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken?
Serve it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own!
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken bites sautéed in rich garlic butter, served over creamy Parmesan pasta. This quick and satisfying meal takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The mouthwatering blend of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a savory sauce that elevates both the chicken and pasta. With its family-friendly flavors and elegant presentation, this dish is sure to impress your loved ones or guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 6 cloves garlic (4 minced for chicken and 2 for sauce)
- 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 the fettuccine until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat.
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Return chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce.
- In another pan, melt remaining butter over medium heat; sauté extra garlic briefly. Gradually add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until simmering. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Toss cooked pasta with the creamy sauce until well-coated. Serve topped with garlic butter chicken bites and garnish with parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
