Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of juicy chicken bites swimming in rich garlic butter sauce, served alongside creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy cooks who still want to enjoy an indulgent meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and butter brings out a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with different pasta types or over rice for a new twist each time.
• Comforting Meal: The creamy Parmesan sauce adds a comforting touch that makes this dish a family favorite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a fancy dinner party, this dish fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you need to prepare this amazing garlic butter chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large pan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta efficiently without overcrowding.
• Large pan: Perfect for cooking chicken evenly and creating the garlic butter sauce.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency in 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.
• 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 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 cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same pan used for the chicken. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pan and ensure it’s evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In another pan, melt some additional butter over medium heat; briefly sauté extra minced garlic. Gradually add heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a soft simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until thickened and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce until fully coated.

Step 6: Plate Your Dish

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

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken meal!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Serving garlic butter chicken is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Here are some creative ways to present this dish that will impress your family and friends.

On a Bed of Creamy Pasta

• Serve the garlic butter chicken atop a generous portion of creamy Parmesan pasta for a comforting meal that keeps the flavors balanced.

With Fresh Green Salad

• Pair the dish with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing complements the richness of the garlic butter chicken.

In Tacos

• For a fun twist, use the garlic butter chicken as a filling for soft tortillas. Top with avocado and salsa for added freshness.

With Garlic Bread

• Serve alongside crispy garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce. This makes for a satisfying and hearty meal.

Over Rice

• Serve the garlic butter chicken on a bed of fluffy rice. This alternative adds texture and helps absorb the delicious sauce.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve restaurant-quality garlic butter chicken at home, follow these essential tips.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for optimal flavor and texture in your dish.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and helps develop that golden color.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook. A pinch more salt or pepper can elevate your dish significantly.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance the overall flavor of your garlic butter chicken, making it more aromatic and tasty.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic butter chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a velvety backdrop for the savory chicken.

2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition to your plate.

3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of garlic butter chicken.

4. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing brings crunchiness that balances out the meal’s richness.

5. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette serves as a healthy alternative that enhances your meal’s nutritional value.

6. Grilled Asparagus: Tender grilled asparagus spears add elegance and pair beautifully with the buttery sauce of the chicken.

7. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob provides a delightful sweetness that complements savory dishes perfectly.

8. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs well with garlic butter chicken, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• seasoning: Forgetting to season your chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can result in dry bites. Aim for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
• Neglecting pasta timing: Overcooking pasta can ruin the dish’s texture. Cook it just until tender, then drain and set aside promptly.
• Skipping the sauce: Missing out on the garlic butter sauce would diminish flavor. Ensure you make it fresh by sautéing minced garlic and combining with butter.
• Not garnishing: Failing to garnish with parsley can make your dish look less appealing. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just remember to label it!

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover it loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and warm the chicken gently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Garlic Butter Chicken.

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and delicious dish featuring juicy chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute fettuccine with any preferred pasta like penne or spaghetti.

How spicy is Garlic Butter Chicken?

This recipe is not spicy; however, you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Consider pairing this dish with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the garlic butter sauce for added nutrition!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick to prepare but also offers incredible flavors that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences. Give it a try tonight!