Garlic Butter Chicken
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken bites with a creamy Parmesan pasta, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In just 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that is sure to impress family and friends. The rich flavors of garlic butter enhance the chicken, while the creamy pasta provides a satisfying base, making this dish both delicious and versatile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan delivers an irresistible taste.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a hearty main course or pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the tender chicken and creamy pasta.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before we start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having the right tools makes preparation easy and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly, ensuring it’s perfectly cooked every time.
- Large pan: Ideal for sautéing the chicken and creating that flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
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—about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower 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, stirring well to coat all pieces in the garlic butter sauce.
Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In another pan, melt additional butter over medium heat. Sauté extra minced garlic until fragrant. Gradually mix in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth; season with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add your drained pasta into the cream mixture, tossing until well coated in sauce.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
Plate your creamy Parmesan pasta first. Top it generously with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle extra garlic butter if desired.
Enjoy this comforting Garlic Butter Chicken dish that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic butter chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it as a main course or incorporate it into different meals, this dish is sure to impress. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- This classic pairing brings together the flavors of the garlic butter chicken and the creamy pasta, making every bite rich and satisfying.
In a Wrap
- Use tortillas to create a delicious wrap filled with garlic butter chicken, fresh veggies, and your favorite sauce for an easy lunch option.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Serve the garlic butter chicken alongside steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a balanced and healthy meal option.
On a Bed of Rice
- Pairing the chicken with rice allows you to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, adding extra flavor to each grain.
As Part of a Salad
- Toss diced garlic butter chicken onto a fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, and your choice of dressing for a lighter dinner option.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
To achieve the best results when making garlic butter chicken, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish comes out delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a stronger flavor compared to pre-minced options, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure your chicken pieces are cooked just until golden brown to keep them juicy and tender; overcooking can lead to dryness.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
- Add Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep it juicy before serving.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile of your garlic butter chicken.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken
When planning your meal, consider pairing garlic butter chicken with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options that enhance this delightful dish.
-
Garlic Bread
A perfect companion that echoes the flavors of garlic in your main dish while providing a satisfying crunch. -
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing and croutons creates a refreshing contrast to rich garlic butter chicken. -
Roasted Potatoes
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, roasted potatoes make an excellent side that pairs well with any sauce. -
Sautéed Spinach
Quick-cooked spinach with olive oil adds nutrients and balances out the richness of the main dish. -
Caprese Salad
A fresh combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar complements the savory flavors perfectly. -
Quinoa Pilaf
Light and nutty quinoa pilaf adds texture and health benefits while being a great base for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken can be straightforward, but many people make common mistakes that can affect the dish’s taste and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your chicken properly can lead to bland bites. Make sure to use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning generously.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden color and ensure it’s cooked through without being overdone.
- Not using fresh garlic: Using pre-minced garlic may lack flavor. Fresh minced garlic enhances the dish significantly.
- Neglecting the pasta: Overcooked pasta can ruin your meal’s texture. Cook it al dente for the best results.
- Rushing the sauce: If you cook the garlic butter sauce too quickly, it may burn. Take your time to sauté until fragrant.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken
- Place cooled Garlic Butter Chicken in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Garlic Butter Chicken:
How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken less greasy?
Using less butter or opting for a cooking spray instead of oil can help reduce greasiness while still keeping flavor.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts in Garlic Butter Chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great substitute and will add more flavor and moisture to the dish.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh side salad.
Is there a vegetarian version of Garlic Butter Chicken?
You can replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative while keeping the same flavor profile.
How can I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color!
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick yet satisfying meal that brings comfort to any dinner table. With its rich flavors and creamy pasta, this recipe is both appealing and versatile. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices!
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful, creamy dish that brings together tender chicken bites and rich Parmesan pasta in under 30 minutes. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, satisfying both family and friends with its irresistible flavors. The garlic butter sauce adds depth, while the creamy pasta serves as a comforting base. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Remove from the pan.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Return chicken to the pan and coat in the garlic butter.
- In another pan, melt additional butter, sauté garlic, then add heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
- Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, then serve topped with garlic butter chicken and garnish with parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
