Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of juicy chicken bites and creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it brings comfort and flavor to your table in under 30 minutes. The rich garlic butter sauce elevates the chicken, making it irresistible. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavorful & Satisfying: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan makes every bite delicious.
• Versatile Pairing: Serve with any pasta of your choice or even rice for a varied experience.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is loved by both adults and kids, making it great for family meals or gatherings.
• Easy Clean-Up: With minimal dishes used, you can enjoy your meal without a mountain of dishes afterward.

Tools and Preparation

To create this flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken, a few essential tools will make the process smoother. Gather the following items before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large pan
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta efficiently.
• Large pan: Perfect for sautéing chicken and creating the garlic butter sauce.
• Whisk: Ensures that your Parmesan cheese blends smoothly into the sauce without lumps.

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 and 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 used for chicken. Melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and coat it evenly with the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add extra minced garlic and sauté briefly. Gradually pour in heavy cream and chicken broth while bringing it to a soft simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Toss the cooked pasta in your creamy Parmesan sauce until well coated. Plate your pasta first before topping with those delicious garlic butter chicken bites.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley on top. Drizzle extra garlic butter if desired before serving.

Enjoy this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken dish with family or friends!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic butter chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Serving it creatively can elevate your meal experience.

With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• This dish includes the creamy Parmesan pasta as a base, making every bite rich and flavorful.

Topped with Fresh Parsley

• A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the overall taste with its vibrant flavor.

Drizzled with Extra Garlic Butter

• For garlic lovers, drizzling additional garlic butter over the chicken brings out the buttery goodness even more.

Accompanied by Garlic Bread

• Serve alongside warm garlic bread for a satisfying combination that complements the flavors perfectly.

With Steamed Vegetables

• A side of steamed vegetables adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken dish beautifully.

Paired with a Simple Salad

• A light salad offers a crisp texture and refreshing contrast, making it an ideal companion for this hearty meal.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve the best garlic butter chicken, follow these helpful tips:

• Choose quality chicken: Using fresh, high-quality chicken breasts ensures juicy and tender bites.
• Don’t skip the seasoning: Properly seasoning both the chicken and sauce enhances flavor depth.
• Monitor cooking time: Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be golden brown and fully cooked but not dry.
• Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers a stronger flavor compared to pre-minced options.
• Adjust cream consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer or add more cheese.
• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to mix in other herbs for added layers of flavor, such as thyme or oregano.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing your garlic butter chicken with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some tasty options:

1. Garlic Bread
   The perfect accompaniment to soak up any leftover sauce while adding extra garlic flavor.

2. Steamed Broccoli
   This healthy green side provides crunch and nutrition, balancing out the rich flavors of the chicken.

3. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad adds crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing that contrasts nicely with warm chicken.

4. Roasted Asparagus
   Tender roasted asparagus gives a slight char that enhances its natural sweetness, pairing well with buttery dishes.

5. Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes are comforting and can help absorb all of that delicious garlic butter sauce.

6. Quinoa Pilaf
   A nutritious quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs can offer a wholesome grain option that’s flavorful and filling.

7. Rice Pilaf
   Lightly seasoned rice pilaf is another great choice for soaking up sauce while providing texture variety.

8. Grilled Zucchini
   Grilled zucchini adds a smoky flavor and is quick to prepare, making it an excellent summer side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes you should avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken before cooking can result in bland bites. Always season well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for 6-8 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked but still juicy.
• Not using fresh garlic: Using pre-minced garlic can lack flavor. Fresh minced garlic adds a robust taste that enhances your dish significantly.
• Rushing the sauce: Don’t hurry the garlic butter sauce. Allowing it to simmer gently will develop a rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Neglecting pasta timing: Cooking pasta too long can lead to mushy noodles. Follow package instructions and aim for al dente for the best texture.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with the date to track freshness.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Butter Chicken that may help you prepare this dish successfully.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

You can substitute shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Both work well with the garlic butter sauce.

How do I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition and color in your meal.

What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complement its flavors.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve. Just ensure proper storage guidelines are followed.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or sides, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try; you’ll love its comforting flavors!