Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful dish that brings together juicy chicken bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, complemented by creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties, this meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to option for any occasion. Its mouthwatering flavors and comforting textures will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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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 Garlic Butter Chicken
• For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
• How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken
• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
• Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
• Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
• Step 5: Combine with Pasta
• Step 6: Serve It Up!
• How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
• With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
• Topped with Fresh Herbs
• Accompanied by Garlic Bread
• On a Bed of Spinach
• Paired with Roasted Vegetables
• 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
• How can I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken?
• Can I use other types of pasta?
• Is Garlic Butter Chicken healthy?
• What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates a rich, savory experience that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a hearty main course or pair it with a light salad for a balanced meal.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish fits perfectly.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the creamy pasta and tender chicken, making it a hit with the whole family.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large pan
• Cooking spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta quickly and evenly.
• Large pan: Perfect for sautéing chicken and making the garlic butter sauce.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate 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 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. Once boiling, cook the pasta until it’s just tender. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large pan, heat 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. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium in the same pan. Melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan to coat evenly with the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In another pan, melt some additional butter over medium heat. Sauté extra minced garlic briefly. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a soft simmer.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until thickened and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss cooked pasta into this creamy Parmesan sauce until thoroughly coated.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Plate your creamy pasta first and top it generously with those luscious garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and drizzle some extra garlic butter if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken meal!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic butter chicken is a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• This dish is perfect when served over creamy Parmesan pasta, allowing the rich flavors of the garlic butter chicken to blend beautifully with the pasta.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh flavor that complements the dish.

Accompanied by Garlic Bread

• Serve with warm garlic bread on the side for an extra touch of indulgence. It’s great for soaking up any leftover sauce!

On a Bed of Spinach

• For a healthier twist, serve garlic butter chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach. This adds color and nutrients to your plate.

Paired with Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a perfect companion, providing balance and texture to the meal.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To create the most flavorful garlic butter chicken, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh, high-quality chicken breasts will enhance the juiciness and flavor of your dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning.
• Sauté Garlic Carefully: Sauté minced garlic just until fragrant; cooking it too long can cause bitterness in your sauce.
• Use Unsalted Butter: This allows you to control the saltiness of your dish better and lets other flavors shine through.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. You might want more salt or pepper based on your preferences.
• Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain its juices when you cut into it.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with garlic butter chicken can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes infused with roasted garlic add comfort and pair perfectly with the rich chicken.
2. Steamed Broccoli – A healthy option that provides a nice crunch and color contrast while balancing out the richness of the main dish.
3. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing complement to the savory chicken.
4. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice mixed with herbs can soak up sauces well, making it an excellent choice alongside garlic butter chicken.
5. Honey Glazed Carrots – Sweetened carrots provide a lovely contrast to savory flavors, creating an appealing taste combination.
6. Baked Zucchini Fries – These crispy fries add fun texture and flavor without being overly heavy on calories.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken adequately can lead to bland bites. Always season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long makes it dry. Aim for a golden color and check if it’s cooked through without losing moisture.
• Neglecting pasta timing: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions closely and taste-test for the perfect al dente texture.
• Not using fresh garlic: Using pre-minced garlic can diminish flavor. Fresh garlic brings out the best taste in your garlic butter sauce.
• Forgetting to garnish: A dish without garnish looks incomplete. Always finish with freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra garlic butter for a beautiful presentation.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It stays good for up to 3 months.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pan, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making Garlic Butter Chicken.

How can I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken?

You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to enhance nutrition and flavor. Adjust seasonings according to your preference as well.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is great, you can use any pasta shape you enjoy such as penne or spaghetti.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken healthy?

This dish contains protein from chicken and beneficial fats from olive oil and butter. Balance it with a side of veggies for a complete meal.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Pair it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a heartier dinner experience. It complements many sides beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also delivers comforting flavors that are sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with different pastas or vegetables based on what you have on hand!