Garlic Butter Chicken
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. With juicy chicken bites drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy Parmesan pasta, this dish promises comfort and flavor in under 30 minutes. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that brings Italian-American flavors to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates a delightful taste experience that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Options: Serve it as a main dish or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy pasta and savory chicken make this dish appealing for all ages.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat well, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal again.
Tools and Preparation
To make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large pan
- Cooking spoon
- Whisk
- Colander
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the pasta quickly and efficiently.
- Large pan: Perfect for searing the chicken evenly while keeping all the flavors concentrated.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency when combining the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
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 and cook the pasta until it’s just tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear 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 the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium in the same pan where you cooked the chicken. Melt the butter completely. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate pan, melt some additional butter over medium heat. Briefly sauté extra minced garlic until fragrant. 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 Pasta with Sauce
Toss your cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce so that it gets evenly covered.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
Plate your pasta nicely on dishes and top it with generous portions of garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and drizzle extra garlic butter if desired.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic butter chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- This classic pairing enhances the garlic butter chicken with rich flavors and comforting textures. The creamy pasta perfectly complements the savory chicken bites.
On a Bed of Spinach
- Serving garlic butter chicken on fresh spinach adds a refreshing crunch and a vibrant color to your plate. The warm chicken slightly wilts the spinach, creating a delightful contrast.
In Tacos or Wraps
- Transform your garlic butter chicken into flavorful tacos or wraps. Use soft tortillas, add some fresh veggies, and drizzle with your favorite sauce for an exciting twist.
As an Appetizer
- Cut the garlic butter chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve them as an appetizer at parties or gatherings. Pair with toothpicks and a tangy dipping sauce for easy serving.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
To achieve the best garlic butter chicken, follow these simple tips for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Use high-quality chicken: Choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the juiciest bites.
- Don’t skimp on the garlic: For an intense flavor, use freshly minced garlic instead of pre-minced options; this enhances the aroma and taste.
- Cook over medium-high heat: This ensures that the chicken develops a beautiful golden crust while remaining tender inside.
- Let it rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to tweak salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning based on personal preference for a custom flavor profile.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken
Complementing your garlic butter chicken with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with garlic butter flavors; toast slices brushed with olive oil and minced garlic for extra zest.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots and broccoli roasted with olive oil add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing balances out the richness of the main dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and soak up any leftover sauce from the garlic butter chicken.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes an excellent base that complements the savory notes of the dish.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds elegance and freshness while contrasting nicely with hearty flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for when making garlic butter chicken.
- Overcooking the Chicken: This leads to dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for perfect juiciness.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your dish bland. Don’t forget salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to elevate flavors.
- Not Using Fresh Garlic: Dried garlic lacks flavor. Always use fresh minced garlic for that aromatic punch in your garlic butter chicken.
- Ignoring Pasta Cooking Time: Overcooked pasta becomes mushy. Cook it until al dente for a delightful texture that pairs well with the sauce.
- Rushing the Sauce Preparation: A rushed sauce can lack depth. Take your time whisking in the Parmesan cheese for a creamy finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the garlic butter chicken to cool before sealing it in the container.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
- Label containers with dates to keep track of freshness.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil; heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about garlic butter chicken that may help you enjoy this dish even more!
What is Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic butter chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce served over pasta.
How can I customize Garlic Butter Chicken?
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or using different types of pasta.
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately until ready to serve.
What sides go well with Garlic Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for extra flavor!
Final Thoughts
Garlic butter chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It offers comfort on busy nights and can be customized to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a heartwarming meal that will leave you craving more!
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect meal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. This dish features tender chicken bites drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy Parmesan pasta for an exquisite taste experience—all ready in under 30 minutes! It’s a quick and easy recipe that the whole family will love, combining Italian-American flavors into a comforting dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of 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, then cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Return chicken to the pan, coating it in the garlic butter sauce.
- In another pan, melt additional butter and sauté garlic. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Combine cooked pasta with creamy sauce and serve topped with garlic butter chicken and parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
