Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together juicy chicken bites and creamy Parmesan pasta in a quick, satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a rich flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults. The combination of garlic butter and tender chicken will have you coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time.
- Flavorful Combination: The garlic butter sauce elevates the chicken, while the creamy Parmesan pasta adds richness to every bite.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a hearty main course or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the comforting flavors of this Italian-American classic.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal pots and pans used, you’ll spend less time washing dishes after enjoying your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make Garlic Butter Chicken, having the right tools can streamline your cooking process. Here are some essential items you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board and knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Necessary for boiling pasta efficiently without overcrowding.
- Large pan: Ideal for cooking the chicken evenly and making the sauce in one vessel.
- Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, especially when mixing in the 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 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 (al dente), then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Toss in the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium in the same pan. Melt the butter you reserved. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Return the cooked chicken to this pan so it can soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In another pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add extra minced garlic briefly sautéing until fragrant (around 30 seconds). Gradually add heavy cream and chicken broth while bringing it to a soft simmer.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and smoothens. Season with salt and pepper according to taste. Toss in your cooked pasta until evenly coated with this creamy sauce.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
Plate your pasta beautifully on each dish and top it with those delicious garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of color. If desired, drizzle some extra garlic butter on top before serving!
Enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken as part of an easy family dinner or a cozy date night at home!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Serving garlic butter chicken is all about presentation and flavor. This easy dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its rich, buttery taste.
With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- A perfect match for the garlic butter chicken, this creamy pasta adds a luscious texture and complements the flavors beautifully.
Garnished with Fresh Parsley
- Chopped fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also provides a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
Drizzled with Extra Garlic Butter
- For those who can’t get enough garlic flavor, a drizzle of extra garlic butter on top elevates the dish even further.
Served with Crusty Bread
- Crusty bread is ideal for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce, making each bite delightful.
Accompanied by a Simple Salad
- A light salad with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken and pasta.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted seasonal vegetables add both nutrition and texture to your meal, making it more colorful and satisfying.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
Perfecting garlic butter chicken requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Choose quality chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Use real garlic: Minced fresh garlic will provide a more intense flavor compared to powdered alternatives.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go—seasoning is key to bringing out the best in your garlic butter sauce.
- Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking; this helps retain its juices for a more succulent bite.
- Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional depth of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken
Pairing side dishes with garlic butter chicken can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Classic choice that complements the buttery flavors perfectly; easy to prepare by spreading butter and minced garlic on bread before baking.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the main dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort; you can infuse them with roasted garlic for added flavor.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing offers crunch and freshness alongside your hearty main course.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs can soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce from the chicken.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted until crisp-tender make for an elegant side that’s easy to prepare.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with veggies provides a healthy alternative while adding texture to your meal.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can cut through the richness of garlic butter chicken, providing a refreshing contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Garlic Butter Chicken can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Not seasoning enough: Many people forget to season the chicken properly. Always use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning generously for flavor.
- Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Aim for 6-8 minutes of cooking time until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
- Skipping the garlic butter sauce: The garlic butter sauce is what elevates this dish. Don’t skip it; it adds essential flavor.
- Using low-quality pasta: Cheap pasta can affect the dish’s overall taste. Choose a good quality fettuccine or your preferred pasta for the best results.
- Ignoring garnishes: Garnish adds visual appeal and freshness. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool down before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Separate the chicken and pasta if possible to maintain texture.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious dish made with tender chicken pieces sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, often served with pasta.
Can I customize Garlic Butter Chicken?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even switch up the type of cheese used in the pasta.
How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken healthier?
Consider using skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts and substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the sauce.
Is Garlic Butter Chicken kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy Parmesan pasta and flavorful chicken make it appealing to kids while still being nutritious.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. Its creamy Parmesan pasta complements the savory chicken perfectly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices according to your taste!
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delectable, quick dish that transforms tender chicken bites into a savory delight, paired with creamy Parmesan pasta for a rich, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this recipe balances indulgence and convenience in under 30 minutes. The buttery garlic sauce envelops the chicken, creating a flavor-packed experience that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Serve it as a standalone main course or enhance it with fresh salad or crusty bread for a comforting feast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 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
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Set aside.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt reserved butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Return chicken to the pan.
- In another pan, melt more butter over medium heat; add garlic and sauté briefly. Gradually mix in heavy cream and chicken broth until simmering.
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth; season to taste. Toss cooked pasta until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve by plating the pasta topped with garlic butter chicken, garnished with parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
