Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of tender chicken bites enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for anyone craving comfort food without the fuss. The combination of flavors and textures ensures that each bite is as satisfying as it is delicious.

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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: Boil the Pasta
• Step 2: Cook the Chicken
• Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
• Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce
• Step 5: Combine Everything Together
• How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
• On a Bed of Pasta
• With a Side Salad
• In Tacos
• Over Rice
• As a Wrap
• 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 different types of pasta?
• How can I customize Garlic Butter Chicken?
• Is Garlic Butter Chicken suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for those busy evenings.
• Flavor Packed: The garlic butter sauce infuses the chicken with incredible flavor while the creamy Parmesan pasta complements it beautifully.
• Versatile Dish: Suitable for family dinners, date nights, or meal prep; this dish fits any occasion seamlessly.
• Kid-Friendly: With its mild yet savory taste, even picky eaters will enjoy this comforting meal.
• Minimal Cleanup: Most cooking happens in one or two pans, making cleanup a breeze after enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Garlic Butter Chicken masterpiece, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large pan
• Cooking spoon
• Colander
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large pan: Perfect for searing chicken and creating the garlic butter sauce in one step.
• Colander: Makes draining the pasta easy and mess-free.

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: 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: Boil the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta until it’s just tender, then drain 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. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside once done.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

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

Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate pan, melt additional butter over medium heat. Sauté extra minced garlic briefly before gradually adding heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a soft simmer. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until thickened and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Toss your cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce ensuring even coverage. Plate your pasta and top it with those delicious garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle extra garlic butter if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic butter chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a casual meal at home, these serving suggestions can elevate your dining experience.

On a Bed of Pasta

• Serve the garlic butter chicken directly on top of a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta for a hearty meal.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley for added flavor and presentation.

With a Side Salad

• A fresh garden salad can complement the richness of the garlic butter chicken.
• Consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors.

In Tacos

• Transform your garlic butter chicken into delicious tacos by using soft tortillas.
• Top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty twist.

Over Rice

• Serve the garlic butter chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
• This option adds an extra layer of texture and heartiness to the meal.

As a Wrap

• Use lettuce leaves or tortillas to create wraps filled with garlic butter chicken.
• Add sliced avocados and your favorite sauces for a flavorful bite on the go.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Achieving perfect garlic butter chicken is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried versions.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the chicken pieces enough space while cooking so they brown nicely and cook evenly.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go; seasoning levels can vary depending on personal preference.
• Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, making it more tender.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like paprika or cayenne for an extra kick.
• Drizzle with extra garlic butter: For those who love rich flavors, an additional drizzle before serving can take it over the top.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with garlic butter chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement its rich flavors beautifully.

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice that goes wonderfully with any Italian-American meal; perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

2. Steamed Vegetables
   Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition; lightly seasoned is best to keep flavors balanced.

3. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing and croutons provides a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.

4. Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes are comforting and pair well with savory sauces; consider adding roasted garlic for extra flavor.

5. Roasted Asparagus
   Simple yet elegant, roasted asparagus seasoned with lemon zest complements the richness of the dish perfectly.

6. Quinoa Salad
   A nutritious side that adds texture; mix quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese for a refreshing option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can impact flavor and texture. Here are some to watch out for:

• Using too much garlic: While garlic adds great flavor, using excessive amounts can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced taste.
• Not seasoning the chicken properly: Seasoning is key for enhancing flavor. Ensure you season both the chicken and the sauce generously with salt and pepper.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook just until golden and cooked through for juicy bites.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain moisture. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
• Neglecting pasta timing: Pasta should be cooked until al dente. If overcooked, it can turn mushy and unappealing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure the garlic butter chicken is cooled before sealing.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Divide into portions for easier thawing later.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Butter Chicken:

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

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

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer! Fettuccine works well, but penne or spaghetti are great alternatives too.

How can I customize Garlic Butter Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. You can also adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just follow proper storage instructions to enjoy it later.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not just quick and easy; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different pastas or veggies based on your preferences. Give this comforting recipe a try, and enjoy a satisfying meal that the whole family will love!