This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is the perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken bites coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce and paired with creamy Parmesan pasta, this dish is a comforting delight that can be made in under 30 minutes. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, it balances flavor and simplicity, making it a standout option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates a deliciously rich taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out chicken for shrimp or vegetables, accommodating various dietary preferences.
- One-Pot Wonder: Most of the cooking happens in one pan, which means less cleanup after a satisfying meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This hearty meal is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it great for family gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe smoothly, having the right tools on hand will make a difference. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delightful dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta efficiently without overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.
- Large pan: Perfect for sautéing chicken and creating the flavorful garlic butter sauce in one place.
- Whisk: Important for mixing ingredients thoroughly, especially when incorporating the heavy cream and 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. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, set aside.
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter in the pan used for cooking chicken.
Step 5: Add Garlic
Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté briefly until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the pan; coat evenly with the sauce.
Step 6: Prepare Creamy Sauce
In a separate pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Briefly sauté extra minced garlic before adding heavy cream and chicken broth slowly. Bring mixture to a soft simmer.
Step 7: Incorporate Cheese
Whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
Step 8: Combine Pasta
Toss cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce until well coated.
Step 9: Serve
Plate your creamy pasta first then top with garlic butter chicken bites.
Step 10: Garnish
Garnish your dish with chopped parsley. Drizzle extra garlic butter if desired for added richness.
Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Chicken! This simple yet delicious meal is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic butter chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes provide a rich and smooth base for the garlic butter chicken, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
With Garlic Bread
- Serve the chicken with warm garlic bread to complement the dish’s flavors. It’s perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
On a Bed of Spinach
- Fresh spinach adds a nutritious element and pairs beautifully with garlic butter chicken. Lightly sauté it for added flavor.
Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add a colorful touch and balance the richness of the chicken dish.
In Tacos
- Transform your garlic butter chicken into tacos! Use soft tortillas and top with fresh salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a fun twist.
As Part of a Salad
- Slice the garlic butter chicken over a fresh salad. The creamy dressing complements the flavors while adding crunch and freshness.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
For an unforgettable garlic butter chicken experience, consider these handy tips to enhance your cooking process.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs intensify flavors, making your dish more aromatic and delicious.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure you cook the chicken just until golden brown to retain its juiciness.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it tender and flavorful.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to add additional herbs or spices to customize your dish according to your taste preferences.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in more Parmesan cheese; for a thinner sauce, add more broth or cream.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or an extra drizzle of garlic butter enhances both presentation and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken
Pairing side dishes with garlic butter chicken can elevate your meal further. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes seasoned with roasted garlic offer a comforting complement.
- Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed in olive oil add brightness and texture alongside the rich dish.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crunch and creaminess, balancing the savory flavors of garlic butter chicken.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the savory notes from the chicken.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs is a healthy alternative that absorbs sauces well, enhancing each bite.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a vibrant side that adds freshness without overpowering the main dish.
- Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice pilaf can soak up any leftover sauce while adding texture and heartiness to your meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings sweetness and crunch, perfect for summer dining experiences.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Garlic Butter Chicken can be straightforward, but some common mistakes might hinder your dish’s success. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can result in bland flavors. Always season your chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs before cooking.
- Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook until just golden and ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
- Rushing the sauce: A rushed garlic butter sauce will lack depth. Allow the garlic to sauté briefly for maximum flavor and avoid burning it.
- Not draining the pasta properly: Leaving excess water on the pasta can dilute the sauce. Drain it well before mixing to maintain a creamy texture.
- Ignoring fresh herbs for garnish: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. Don’t skip this important finishing touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Separate chicken and pasta if possible for better texture upon reheating.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and reheat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, stir occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Garlic Butter Chicken:
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes! You can easily substitute shrimp or tofu for a different protein option while keeping the same garlic butter sauce.
What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken?
Consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the dish.
How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta or serve the garlic butter chicken over rice or zucchini noodles instead.
Can I prepare Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook everything in advance and reheat it when ready to serve, making it great for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or using different types of pasta. Enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week!
Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and delightful dish that elevates any weeknight dinner or special gathering with minimal effort. This recipe features tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served alongside creamy Parmesan pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy families or when entertaining guests, this dish balances flavor and simplicity to ensure it becomes a staple at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta until just tender; drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes), then set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the pan, coating it in the garlic butter sauce.
- In another pan, melt butter and sauté more garlic before adding heavy cream and chicken broth; simmer gently.
- Whisk in Parmesan until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked pasta into the creamy sauce until well coated.
- Serve pasta first topped with garlic butter chicken bites and garnish with parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 682
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 783mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 124mg
