Garlic Butter Chicken

This Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that makes for an easy and flavorful midweek dinner. With its rich, buttery sauce and aromatic garlic, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re entertaining guests, this dish will impress with just four key ingredients in the sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight meal.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates an irresistible sauce that complements chicken perfectly.
• Minimal Ingredients: With only a few components needed, it’s budget-friendly and easy to make.
• Versatile: This dish pairs well with various sides like rice, pasta, or vegetables.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a family favorite that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan
• Shallow dish
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan: This allows for even cooking of the chicken while providing enough space for the sauce.
• Shallow dish: Ideal for dredging chicken in flour, ensuring an even coating for better flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2x 9oz/250g Chicken Breasts, (brought close to room temp)
• 1/4 cup / 40g Plain / All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup / 120ml Chicken Stock
• 6 tbsp / 90g / 3.2oz Unsalted Butter, (divided into tbsp chunks)
• 2 cloves of Garlic, (minced/finely diced)
• 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Salt, (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, (plus more to taste)
• 1 Lemon, (divided into 4 wedges to serve)

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Dredging Mixture

In a shallow dish, combine the flour with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Butterfly the Chicken Breasts

Butterfly your chicken breasts through the center to create four even pieces. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on each side and fully cooked through (approximately 3-5 minutes per side). Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan; cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken stock and scrape any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add remaining butter and whisk until melted and combined with stock. Stir in parsley and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Allow the sauce to simmer until slightly thickened. Reduce heat to low, return the chicken breasts back into the pan, spooning sauce over them. Serve immediately with extra sauce drizzled on top, along with lemon wedges if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

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

With Fresh Herbs

• Parsley: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley on top for added freshness and color.
• Chives: Use chopped chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the chicken.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Salad: Serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette.
• Spinach: Sautéed spinach can add a nutritious element and rich flavor to the dish.

Accompanied by Starches

• Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice absorbs the garlic butter sauce deliciously.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for the garlicky goodness.

With Citrus

• Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing when squeezed over the chicken.
• Lime Zest: A sprinkle of lime zest can brighten up the dish with its refreshing aroma.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To ensure your garlic butter chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Chicken: Bringing your chicken breasts close to room temperature ensures even cooking.
• Dredge Evenly: Press the flour mixture onto the chicken firmly to create an even coating for better texture.
• Monitor Heat Levels: Adjust heat as needed while cooking to avoid burning the garlic or undercooking the chicken.
• Whisk Quickly: When adding butter to the stock, whisk swiftly to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper for optimal flavor.
• Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest briefly after cooking helps retain juiciness.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing your garlic butter chicken with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add vibrant color and nutrients.
2. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with diced cucumbers and tomatoes offers a healthy contrast.
4. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted baby potatoes seasoned with herbs provide texture and heartiness.
5. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is great for soaking up flavors without added carbs.
6. Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad with olives and feta can be a delightful side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking garlic butter chicken can be simple, but several common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping the Butter Temperature: Using cold butter can cause it to clump instead of melt smoothly into the sauce. Always bring your butter to room temperature for the best results.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Under-seasoning your chicken can make it bland. Be generous with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can dry it out. Aim for golden brown on each side and check if it’s cooked through with a meat thermometer.
• Ignoring Garlic Timing: Adding garlic too early can cause it to burn and become bitter. Add garlic just before the stock in the recipe to keep its flavor bright.
• Neglecting Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, you may not have let it simmer long enough. Allow it to thicken slightly before serving for a better texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Place cooled garlic butter chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months for the best quality.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed. Heat through while spooning sauce over the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making garlic butter chicken.

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic butter chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic and butter sauce. It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

You can certainly use other cuts like thighs or drumsticks; just adjust cooking times as needed since they vary in thickness.

How do I serve Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables. A squeeze of lemon adds freshness and balances the richness of the sauce.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time; just store and reheat as directed for easy meal prep throughout the week.

What can I customize in this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to enrich the dish further or adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Garlic butter chicken is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various sides or additional ingredients, making it suitable for any occasion. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how quickly it comes together!