Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of juicy chicken bites enveloped in rich, buttery garlic sauce, served alongside creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners, this dish brings comfort and flavor to your table in just 30 minutes. Its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a quick dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Pairing: Serve the garlic butter chicken with any pasta you prefer, allowing customization for picky eaters.
• One-Pan Wonder: Most of the cooking happens in one pan, reducing cleanup time after a delicious meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients, this meal is sure to impress family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, make sure you have the right tools on hand for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly without overcrowding.
• Large pan: Ideal for sautéing chicken and creating the flavorful garlic butter sauce in one go.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly when preparing sauces.

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: Boil the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta until it’s just tender. Drain it well and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

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

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan used for the chicken, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the pan to ensure even coating with the buttery garlic sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy 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 smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

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

Step 6: Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken dish!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic butter chicken is versatile and makes for a delightful meal that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• This dish pairs beautifully with the creamy Parmesan pasta included in the recipe, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

With Fresh Salad

• A light salad, such as a Caesar or mixed greens, can balance the richness of the garlic butter chicken, adding freshness and crunch.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the garlic butter chicken over fluffy white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce, enhancing every bite.

As a Sandwich Filling

• Use the garlic butter chicken as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Add some lettuce and tomatoes for added crunch and flavor.

With Garlic Bread

• Toasted garlic bread makes an ideal accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Topped with Extra Garlic Butter

• Drizzling additional garlic butter on top before serving intensifies the flavors and adds an extra touch of indulgence.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve the best results with your garlic butter chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality chicken elevate the dish’s flavor significantly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This ensures even cooking and allows for better browning.
• Adjust seasoning: Always taste as you go. Adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to suit your palate.
• Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain its juices.
• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add fresh basil or thyme for an aromatic twist that complements the garlic butter flavor.
• Serve immediately: Garlic butter chicken is best enjoyed fresh off the stove to maintain its juicy texture and vibrant flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your garlic butter chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting addition that complements the dish perfectly.
2. Steamed Vegetables
   Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus adds color and nutrition while balancing out the richness of the main dish.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring a slightly bitter flavor that contrasts nicely with the buttery sauce.
4. Quinoa Salad
   A refreshing quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing provides a healthy grain option alongside chicken.
5. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw can add crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes
   The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs well with savory flavors, making them a great side choice.
7. Pasta Primavera
   Colorful vegetables tossed in olive oil and seasoning serve as a vibrant counterpoint to your hearty main dish.
8. Couscous with Herbs
   Light and fluffy couscous seasoned with fresh herbs offers an easy yet flavorful side that complements garlic butter chicken well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Butter Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and the final dish’s flavor. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken can lead to bland bites. Always season your chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long makes it mushy. Follow package instructions for al dente texture, ensuring it holds up in the creamy sauce.
• Not using fresh garlic: Using pre-minced garlic can diminish flavor. Fresh minced garlic offers a robust taste that enhances the garlic butter sauce.
• Neglecting to sauté properly: Failing to sauté the garlic until fragrant can result in raw flavors. Always cook garlic just until it’s aromatic for the best taste.
• Ignoring sauce consistency: A watery sauce can ruin the dish. Whisk in Parmesan cheese gradually to reach a thick, smooth consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for freezing.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months; label with date for easy reference.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth and sauté until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Butter Chicken that might help you while making this dish.

Can I use other types of meat for Garlic Butter Chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option while maintaining similar flavors.

How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How spicy is Garlic Butter Chicken?

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

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is an incredibly appealing dish that combines juicy chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta. Its versatility allows you to customize it easily by adding vegetables or substituting proteins according to your preference. Give this recipe a try and experience its comforting flavors!