Garlic Butter Chicken
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful and comforting dish that perfectly combines tender chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this quick and easy meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a favorite among families, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of garlic butter and Parmesan creates a rich and savory experience that elevates the simple chicken and pasta to gourmet status.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even meal prep for the week. This recipe fits any occasion!
- Easy Cleanup: One-pan cooking means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather all your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
- Large pan: Provides enough space for sautéing chicken and making the garlic butter sauce without overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- 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 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: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until it’s just tender. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces.
1. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Set aside once done.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium in the same pan where you cooked the chicken. Melt the butter in the pan.
1. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
2. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, ensuring it gets evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate pan, melt some butter over medium heat while briefly sautéing extra minced garlic.
1. Gradually add heavy cream and chicken broth to this pan; bring it to a soft simmer.
2. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until thickened; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Toss your cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce so that it gets evenly covered.
1. Plate your pasta first then top with garlic butter chicken bites.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Drizzle extra garlic butter if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken meal!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Serving garlic butter chicken can elevate your dining experience, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.
On a Bed of Creamy Pasta
- Pair the garlic butter chicken with creamy Parmesan pasta for a comforting meal that brings rich flavors together.
With Fresh Salad
- Serve alongside a fresh garden salad, featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
With Crusty Bread
- Offer slices of crusty bread on the side. They’re perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
Over Rice
- For a hearty option, serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice. The rice will absorb the delicious garlic butter flavor.
As Wraps
- Use warm tortillas to create wraps filled with garlic butter chicken and fresh veggies for a fun and interactive meal.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Add steamed broccoli or green beans as a side to enhance nutrition while complementing the dish’s flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
Making garlic butter chicken is simple, but these tips will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Choose quality chicken: Opt for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender bites that cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to achieve a nice golden sear on each piece.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go; add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning according to your preference.
- Watch the garlic: Sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant—overcooking can lead to bitterness.
- Let it rest: Allow the cooked chicken to rest briefly before serving; this helps retain its juiciness.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add an extra layer of flavor to your garlic butter chicken.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken
The right sides can complement your garlic butter chicken wonderfully. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, this classic pairs perfectly with any pasta dish.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provide great color and taste.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and feta creates a nutritious contrast.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting pairing with savory chicken dishes.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of garlic butter.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus adds elegance and vibrant color to your plate.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve zucchini noodles topped with extra garlic butter sauce for added flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes you should avoid.
- Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry chicken bites. Ensure you monitor cooking time closely and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Skipping the seasoning: If you neglect to season your chicken properly, the dish may lack flavor. Always remember to salt and pepper your chicken before cooking.
- Using cold ingredients: Adding cold ingredients like cream directly into the pan can shock the mixture. Allow them to come to room temperature for a smoother sauce.
- Not letting the pasta drain properly: If you don’t drain your pasta well, it can become soggy when mixed with the sauce. Make sure to shake off excess water before combining.
- Ignoring freshness of garlic: Using old or dried-out garlic can diminish the flavor of your dish. Always use fresh garlic for maximum aroma and taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Best enjoyed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Garlic Butter Chicken.
What is Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful dish made with tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, often served over pasta.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option while maintaining similar cooking times.
How can I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad, enhancing your meal’s appeal.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken is not just quick and easy; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can adjust it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken bites and creamy Parmesan pasta in under 30 minutes. This quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures that are sure to please the entire family. With its buttery garlic sauce coating juicy chicken and pasta, this meal is a delightful choice that requires minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic (4 for chicken, 2 for pasta)
- 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
- Reduce heat to medium; add butter and garlic to the same pan. Sauté until fragrant, then return the chicken to coat.
- In a separate pan, combine butter, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese over medium heat. Whisk until thickened; season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce before plating. Top with garlic butter chicken bites and garnish with parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
