Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish combines tender chicken bites cooked in rich garlic butter with creamy Parmesan pasta. In under 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that satisfies and impresses everyone at the table. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates an irresistible sauce that enhances the chicken and pasta.
• Versatile Pairing: Serve it with your favorite pasta or vegetables for a complete meal that suits any palate.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the juicy chicken bites and creamy texture.
• Easy Cleanup: With minimal pots and pans used, clean-up is a breeze after enjoying this hearty meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather a few essential tools before starting. Having everything ready will help streamline the process of making garlic butter chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large pan
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta efficiently while ensuring it cooks evenly.
• Large pan: Perfect for sautéing chicken and making the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sauces smoothly, especially when incorporating cheese into creams.

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 it well and set aside while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully 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 unsalted butter. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté briefly until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Return the cooked chicken to the pan, ensuring each piece is well coated in the garlic butter sauce.

Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In another pan, melt additional butter over medium heat. Briefly sauté more minced garlic.

Gradually pour in heavy cream and chicken broth while bringing it to a soft simmer. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until it thickens into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Toss your drained pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce until thoroughly coated.

Step 6: Assemble Your Dish

Plate your creamy pasta first then top it with generous portions of garlic butter chicken bites.

Step 7: Garnish

Finish off by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Drizzle extra garlic butter if desired for an added touch of flavor!

Enjoy your delicious homemade Garlic Butter Chicken with creamy Parmesan pasta!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are some delicious ways to serve this hearty meal.

With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• This dish complements the garlic butter chicken perfectly, creating a rich and satisfying plate.

Over Rice

• White or brown rice works well, soaking up the flavorful garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of taste.

With Fresh Salad

• A light garden salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and pasta.

In a Wrap

• Wrap garlic butter chicken bites in a tortilla with veggies for a quick and tasty lunch option.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Creating the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines.

• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers more flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to achieve that golden-brown crust.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed during cooking.
• Add a squeeze of lemon: A hint of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully.
• Let it rest: Allow cooked chicken to sit for a few minutes before serving; this helps retain its juices.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce; warm and buttery bread is always a hit.
2. Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add color and nutrition without overpowering flavors.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, they make for a hearty complement.
4. Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing pairs nicely with the chicken, offering a crunchy texture contrast.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light and nutritious option that brings additional flavors through herbs and spices.
6. Coleslaw: The crispness of coleslaw balances out the richness of the garlic butter chicken perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making garlic butter chicken can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland bites. Always add salt and pepper generously to enhance flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Aim for golden brown and cooked through, usually around 6-8 minutes.
• Not using fresh garlic: Using pre-minced garlic can lose flavor. Fresh minced garlic gives a more robust taste and aroma.
• Ignoring pasta timing: Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Cook until just tender, then drain immediately.
• Not letting the sauce thicken: Rushing the sauce can result in a runny consistency. Allow it to simmer until it thickens for a creamy texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the dish is cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Portioning into single servings makes reheating easier.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about garlic butter chicken and its preparation.

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic butter chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in rich garlic butter sauce, often served with pasta.

Can I customize Garlic Butter Chicken?

Yes! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or switch up your seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken healthy?

While it’s rich and delicious, you can make it healthier by using less butter or opting for whole wheat pasta.

What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic bread or a light salad complements this dish wonderfully without overshadowing its flavors.

Final Thoughts

This garlic butter chicken recipe is not only quick and easy but also offers comforting flavors that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the seasonings. Try this delightful meal tonight!