Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of juicy chicken bites coated in savory garlic butter, paired perfectly with creamy Parmesan pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for both quick dinners and hearty meals. The rich flavors and comforting textures will leave everyone at the table 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
• How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken
• Step 1: Boil the Pasta
• Step 2: Cook the Chicken
• Step 3: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce
• Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce
• Step 5: Combine Sauces
• Step 6: Toss Pasta
• Step 7: Plate & Serve
• How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
• Pair with Fresh Salad
• Serve Over Rice
• Accompany with Bread
• Add Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• 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
• Can I use other types of meat for Garlic Butter Chicken?
• How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken gluten-free?
• What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?
• Can I add vegetables to my Garlic Butter Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy days.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates an irresistible taste that pleases every palate.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a family dinner or impress guests at a gathering; it suits any occasion.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most ingredients on hand, making it easy to whip up on short notice.
• Comforting Dish: The creamy pasta paired with tender chicken makes this meal feel like a warm hug.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials that you’ll need for this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large pan
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking pasta efficiently and evenly.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta without losing any delicious pieces.
• Large pan: Necessary for sautéing the chicken and creating the garlic butter sauce.
• Whisk: Helps to blend sauces smoothly, ensuring a creamy texture.

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.

• 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.
• Fettuccine or any preferred pasta: 12 oz.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons (for the sauce).
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (for the sauce).
• Heavy cream: 1 cup.
• Parmesan cheese, grated: 1 cup.
• Chicken broth: 1/2 cup.
• Salt and pepper: to taste (for seasoning).
• 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 according to package instructions. Drain it carefully in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce

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

Step 4: Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In another pan, melt additional butter over medium heat. Briefly sauté extra minced garlic until aromatic. Gradually add heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring consistently. Bring this mixture to a soft simmer.

Step 5: Combine Sauces

Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 6: Toss Pasta

Add the cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss well to ensure even coverage with that delicious sauce.

Step 7: Plate & Serve

Plate your creamy pasta first, then top it generously with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and drizzle extra garlic butter if desired for an added touch of flavor!

Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Serving garlic butter chicken is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Here are some fun ways to present this delicious dish.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons complement the buttery chicken.
• Greek Salad – The tanginess of feta and olives pairs well with the savory notes of garlic butter.

Serve Over Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – Light and fluffy rice absorbs the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Garlic Fried Rice – For an extra kick, sauté cooked rice with garlic for a flavorful base.

Accompany with Bread

• Garlic Bread – A classic choice; perfect for soaking up any leftover buttery sauce on your plate.
• Dinner Rolls – Soft rolls are great for a comforting touch and can serve as a side for dipping.

Add Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes infused with garlic enhance the overall meal experience.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Perfecting garlic butter chicken ensures a delectable dish every time you make it. Here are some tips to achieve that perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic enhances the flavor significantly compared to pre-minced varieties.
• Monitor Cooking Time – Avoid overcooking the chicken to maintain its juiciness. Aim for golden brown on the outside.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning according to your preference.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce – Allow the sauce to simmer gently. This helps in developing richer flavors.
• Garnish Generously – Fresh parsley not only adds color but also brings freshness that balances out the richness of the dish.
• Try Different Pastas – While fettuccine is great, experimenting with other pasta shapes can add variety to your meal.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Complementing garlic butter chicken with suitable side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers roasted in olive oil add color and nutrients.
2. Steamed Asparagus – Lightly steamed asparagus gives a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with creamy sauces.
3. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the chicken.
4. Quinoa Pilaf – Nutty quinoa mixed with herbs serves as a healthy alternative to rice or pasta.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn adds a summery touch; brush it with butter for extra flavor.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes – The sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with savory garlic butter chicken.
7. Spinach Salad – A light spinach salad dressed in vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to hearty flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be challenging, but avoiding common pitfalls can lead to a delightful Garlic Butter Chicken experience. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken properly can result in bland bites. Always season with salt, pepper, and spices before cooking for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long makes it mushy and unappetizing. Aim for al dente, which means it should have a slight bite and hold up well with the sauce.
• Not using fresh garlic: Using pre-minced garlic can diminish the dish’s flavor. Fresh garlic gives a more robust aroma and taste; always opt for fresh when possible.
• Ignoring the resting time: Cutting into chicken immediately after cooking can dry it out. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juicy texture.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping fresh parsley or extra garlic butter may seem minor, but they elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor. Always add a finishing touch for extra appeal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Keep frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm.
• Microwave: Use medium power, heating in short intervals, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Reheat on low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Chicken that may help you enjoy this recipe even more.

Can I use other types of meat for Garlic Butter Chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey for a different flavor profile while keeping the same delicious garlic butter sauce.

How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta options and ensure all sauces and broths are certified gluten-free.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the creamy pasta.

Can I add vegetables to my Garlic Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers not only enhances nutrition but also adds vibrant color to your meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is an easy yet satisfying recipe perfect for weeknight dinners. Its creamy Parmesan pasta complements the tender chicken beautifully. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings according to your taste preferences!