Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is the perfect blend of juicy chicken bites and rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s a delightful dish that cooks in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this meal stands out with its robust flavors and comforting textures.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Pasta
• How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken
• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Step 2: Sear the Chicken
• Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
• Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce
• Step 5: Combine Everything Together
• Step 6: Garnish and Serve
• How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
• Serve with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
• Add Fresh Greens
• Top with Extra Garlic Butter
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Accompany with Bread
• How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken
• Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Garlic Butter Chicken?
• Can I use other types of pasta?
• How do I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken?
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Combination: The garlic butter chicken pairs beautifully with creamy Parmesan pasta, creating a satisfying meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out the pasta type or add vegetables to suit your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This hearty dish is sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
• Comfort Food Classic: Perfect for those cozy nights when you crave something warm and delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything in place will help streamline the process of crafting this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large pan
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large pan: Ideal for searing chicken and creating the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly in the sauce, preventing clumps.

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. Add your preferred pasta and cook until it’s just tender. Once done, drain it and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium in the same pan where you cooked the chicken. Melt the unsalted butter. Add in the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to this pan, ensuring that each piece is well-coated with the garlic butter sauce.

Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In another pan, melt some additional butter over medium heat. Sauté extra minced garlic briefly before adding heavy cream and chicken broth gradually. Bring it to a soft simmer. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until you achieve a thickened, smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated. Plate your pasta first and top it generously with those delicious garlic butter chicken bites.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, garnish your dish with fresh parsley. If desired, drizzle extra garlic butter over everything for an added touch of flavor before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Chicken alongside friends or family!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Serve with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• This dish pairs beautifully with creamy Parmesan pasta, allowing the garlic butter sauce to mingle with the pasta for a rich experience.

Add Fresh Greens

• A side of mixed greens or a simple garden salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken.

Top with Extra Garlic Butter

• For those who love garlic, drizzle extra garlic butter on top just before serving for an added burst of flavor.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley not only adds color but also brings a fresh taste that complements the savory chicken perfectly.

Accompany with Bread

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce left on your plate.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Garlic Butter Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will elevate the flavors significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as you go. Everyone’s preference is different!
• Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking can help keep it juicy.
• Experiment with spice: Try adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you enjoy a spicy kick.
• Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right away while it’s hot and fresh, ensuring optimal texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Serving sides can enhance the overall dining experience when enjoying Garlic Butter Chicken. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, garlic bread is a classic choice that everyone loves.

2. Steamed Vegetables
   Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus adds color and nutrition without overpowering the main dish.

3. Caesar Salad
   The crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of garlic butter chicken.

4. Risotto
   A creamy risotto can complement the dish beautifully, offering a luxurious texture that pairs well with chicken.

5. Roasted Potatoes
   Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs create a satisfying crunch alongside tender chicken bites.

6. Quinoa Pilaf
   A light quinoa pilaf mixed with vegetables is an excellent healthy alternative that pairs nicely with the main course.

7. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the dish.

8. Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes are comfort food at its finest, making them an ideal partner for garlic butter chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Butter Chicken, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry, tough bites. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.
• Not seasoning adequately: Lack of seasoning can dull flavors. Make sure to season both the chicken and the sauce generously.
• Skipping the garlic sauté: Not sautéing minced garlic properly can result in a bitter taste. Always cook garlic briefly until fragrant but not browned.
• Using low-quality pasta: Cheap pasta might not hold sauce well. Choose high-quality pasta for better texture and flavor absorption.
• Rushing the sauce: Allowing the garlic butter sauce to simmer helps develop flavors. Don’t rush this step; let it thicken naturally.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the dish with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in intervals of 1 minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Garlic Butter Chicken, this section will help clarify common inquiries.

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While fettuccine is great, you can use any preferred pasta like penne or spaghetti for this recipe.

How do I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken?

You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrients and color. Adjust seasonings based on your taste preferences as well.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Garlic Butter Chicken stores well and makes for easy reheating, perfect for meal prep lunches or dinners.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various pasta types or add veggies according to your liking. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!