Garlic Butter Chicken

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: May 12, 2025

by Sofia

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This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With juicy garlic butter chicken bites served alongside creamy Parmesan pasta, you’ll have a comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes. It’s not only quick to prepare but also offers a deliciously satisfying taste that will impress your family and friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This recipe can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will love.
Versatile Dish: Pair the garlic butter chicken with various pasta types or serve it over rice or vegetables for different meal options.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Comfort Food: The creamy sauce and tender chicken provide warmth and comfort, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Garlic Butter Chicken, gather the necessary tools. Having everything on hand will streamline the cooking process and make it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Large pan
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife
Colander

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and efficiently.
Large pan: Ideal for cooking chicken and preparing the garlic butter sauce without overcrowding.
Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly when making the creamy Parmesan sauce.

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

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.

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta.
2 tablespoons butter.
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1 cup heavy cream.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
1/2 cup chicken broth.
Salt and pepper, to taste.

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water.
1. Add the fettuccine or your preferred pasta.
2. Cook until it’s just tender, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large pan:
1. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium in the same pan used for chicken.
Melt the unsalted butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
Return cooked chicken to the pan and ensure it gets coated with the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate pan:
1. Melt some additional butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté extra minced garlic briefly.
3. Gradually add heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a soft simmer.
4. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until thickened and smooth; season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Toss cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
Plate the pasta first, then top with garlic butter chicken bites.

Step 6: Garnish

Finish off your dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle extra garlic butter if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken with creamy Parmesan pasta!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic butter chicken is a delightful dish that shines when served with the right accompaniments. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal and impress your guests.

Pasta Pairings

Creamy Parmesan Pasta: The rich flavors of the creamy Parmesan sauce complement the garlic butter chicken perfectly.
Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery garlic bread side enhances the overall garlic flavor while providing a satisfying crunch.

Fresh Salads

Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and Parmesan bring a refreshing balance to the hearty chicken.
Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella add a bright touch that pairs well with the dish.

Veggie Options

Sautéed Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans add color and crunch without overwhelming the palate.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized sprouts provide a savory contrast to the creamy chicken.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To make your garlic butter chicken truly exceptional, consider these simple tips. They will help enhance both flavor and presentation.

Bold seasoning: Ensure you season your chicken well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for maximum flavor.
Fresh ingredients: Use fresh garlic and herbs for a vibrant taste that elevates the dish.
Proper cooking time: Cook the chicken until golden brown; this adds texture and depth of flavor.
Avoid overcooking pasta: Aim for al dente pasta to maintain its structure when mixed with the sauce.
Adjust creaminess: Feel free to add more cream or broth to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Garnish wisely: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also complements the dish’s flavors nicely.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

When planning a meal featuring garlic butter chicken, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a wonderful pairing with the chicken’s rich flavors.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli offers a healthy contrast and adds nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles provide a light base that soaks up all the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with vegetables adds texture and nutrition alongside the hearty chicken.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs complements the richness of garlic butter chicken beautifully.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned simply allow for an easy yet satisfying side option that pairs well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden brown color and ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
Skipping the Seasoning: Neglecting to season adequately can lead to bland flavors. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning generously for a flavorful dish.
Not Using Fresh Garlic: Dried garlic lacks the punch of fresh garlic. Always opt for fresh cloves to create that aromatic garlic butter sauce.
Rushing the Cream Sauce: Adding heavy cream too quickly can cause it to separate. Gradually whisk in the cream for a smooth consistency.
Ignoring Pasta Timing: Cooking pasta longer than necessary can result in mushiness. Cook it until just tender, then toss it with the sauce immediately.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

Seal in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on high in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval until heated through.
Stovetop: Place chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Stir frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious dish made with juicy chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, often served with pasta.

Can I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I make my Garlic Butter Chicken spicier?

To add heat, include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking the chicken.

What sides go well with Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a light salad for balance.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. Its creamy Parmesan pasta complements the succulent chicken perfectly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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