Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish features succulent chicken bites enveloped in rich garlic butter, paired with creamy Parmesan pasta. Whether it’s a casual family meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and satisfying taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken and pasta.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a hearty main course or pair it with a salad for a lighter option.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the tender chicken and creamy pasta combination.
• Easy Cleanup: With minimal pots and pans required, cleanup is a breeze after enjoying this delicious meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large pan: Perfect for sautéing chicken and creating the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency when mixing in 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 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. 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 once done.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same pan used for chicken. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with garlic butter sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

In a separate pan, melt additional butter over medium heat. Briefly sauté extra minced garlic before gradually adding heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a soft simmer while whisking in Parmesan cheese until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

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

Step 6: Serve It Up

Plate each serving by placing creamy pasta on plates first, then topping it off with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle extra garlic butter if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic butter chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it over pasta or with a side of veggies, each option enhances its delicious flavor.

Over Creamy Pasta

• Fettuccine: The creamy Parmesan sauce pairs perfectly with fettuccine, creating a rich and hearty meal.
• Penne: Use penne for a fun twist, as the sauce clings to the pasta’s tubular shape for extra flavor in every bite.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: A healthy side that adds crunch and color, complementing the richness of the garlic butter chicken.
• Roasted Asparagus: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus, making it a delightful pairing.

In a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Top crisp romaine lettuce with garlic butter chicken bites for a hearty salad that’s full of flavor.
• Mixed Greens: Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and avocado for a fresh side that balances the meal.

With Rice

• Garlic Rice: Infuse your rice with garlic flavor to mirror the main dish, enhancing the overall taste experience.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To ensure your garlic butter chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide intense flavor compared to pre-minced versions.
• Don’t crowd the pan: Give chicken pieces enough space while cooking to achieve a nice sear and even cooking.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to suit your personal preference.
• Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest briefly before serving. This helps retain juices and enhances tenderness.
• Experiment with herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve garlic butter chicken right after cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your garlic butter chicken elevates the meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this bread complements the flavors beautifully.
2. Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that adds creaminess without overpowering.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes bring additional texture and heartiness to your plate.
4. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach offers a fresh and vibrant contrast to richer flavors.
5. Caprese Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil that brightens up your meal.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed side with vegetables that provides a nutritious boost alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some simple steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not seasoning properly: Failing to season your chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning generously before cooking.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden brown outside while ensuring it remains juicy inside.
• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter or cream can curdle your sauce. Let them sit at room temperature before using.
• Skipping the garnish: Not adding fresh parsley can make your dish look less appealing. A sprinkle of parsley not only adds color but enhances flavor too.
• Rushing the pasta: Undercooking your pasta can lead to a chewy texture. Cook it until al dente and then toss it in the sauce for the best experience.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for optimal preservation.
• You can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Garlic Butter Chicken or need more tips, we’ve got you covered!

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish made with succulent chicken bites sautéed in garlic butter sauce, often served with creamy pasta.

Can I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu for variety.

How do I ensure my chicken stays tender?

To keep your chicken tender, avoid overcooking and consider marinating it briefly before cooking for added moisture.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with fettuccine, rice, or crusty bread. A fresh salad on the side adds a nice crunch!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Its creamy Parmesan pasta complements the rich garlic butter perfectly. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!