Introduction to Garlic Butter Chicken
When it comes to effortlessly delicious meals, garlic butter chicken checks all the boxes for young professionals juggling busy schedules. What makes this dish a go-to choice? First and foremost, it combines the delightful richness of butter with the robust flavor of garlic, creating a sauce that's both comforting and elevating. Picture searing juicy chicken breasts until golden brown, drenching them in a velvety garlic-infused butter sauce, and you’ve got a dish that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience right at home.
Time is of the essence for many aspiring chefs, and that's where this recipe truly shines. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This means less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner with friends or unwinding after a long day. Plus, it pairs beautifully with your favorite side dishes—think vibrant roasted vegetables or fluffy rice—which makes it versatile for any night of the week.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, garlic butter chicken is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen. Who wouldn’t want to impress their pals with such an easy yet delectable dish?
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken
Creating the perfect garlic butter chicken starts with quality ingredients that come together to create an irresistible dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: 2 (9oz/250g each), brought close to room temp for even cooking.
- Plain/All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup (40g) for dredging, giving your chicken that nice, crispy exterior.
- Chicken Stock: ½ cup (120ml)—you can use homemade for richer flavor or a store-bought version for convenience.
- Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoon (90g), divided into small chunks. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your dish.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced or finely diced—because you can’t have garlic butter chicken without garlic!
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tbsp, finely diced, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp, added to sauté the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp, for an extra boost of garlic flavor.
- Salt: 1 tsp, plus more to taste.
- Black Pepper: ½ tsp, plus more to taste.
- Lemon: 1, cut into 4 wedges, to serve—a little squeeze elevates the richness of the dish!
Gathering these ingredients will set you up for success in making a flavorful garlic butter chicken that impresses every time!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Garlic Butter Chicken
Cooking garlic butter chicken is an absolute delight that can elevate your dinner game without too much fuss. Follow these straightforward steps to create a dish that's rich in flavor and sure to impress!
Gather and Prepare the Ingredients
Before diving into cooking, ensure you have all your ingredients ready. This not only streamlines the process but also makes it more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: 2 x 9oz/250g, brought to room temperature
- Plain/All Purpose Flour: ¼ cup (40g)
- Chicken Stock: ½ cup (120ml)
- Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoon (90g), divided
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tbsp, finely diced
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
- Lemon: for serving
Dredge the Chicken Breasts
Begin by creating a seasoned flour mixture. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Next, butterfly your chicken breasts (simply slice them down the middle) to create four even pieces. Dredge each piece in the flour, pressing it in for even coverage. Give them a quick shake to remove excess flour before setting them aside.
Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the dredged chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. If your breasts are thick, don’t hesitate to reduce the heat—cooking evenly is key! Once done, place the chicken to one side.
Create the Flavor-Packed Garlic Butter Sauce
Keeping the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add in your minced garlic. Sauté it for 1-2 minutes, just until it starts to brown (but don’t let it burn!). Pour in the chicken stock, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious bits from the bottom of the pan. Next, add the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter, whisking as it melts to create a luxurious sauce. Throw in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring It All Together
Allow your garlic butter sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, return the chicken to the pan and spoon that rich, aromatic sauce over each piece. Want that extra zing? Serve with lemon wedges for a squeeze of freshness! This garlic butter chicken is perfect over rice, paired with steamed veggies, or simply enjoyed on its own.
And there you have it! The aroma of this dish will have everyone gathering around the dinner table. For more tips and tricks, check out resources like Serious Eats for additional cooking ideas and inspiration. Happy cooking!
Variations on Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Herbs
Elevate your garlic butter chicken by incorporating fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Try adding chopped basil, thyme, or rosemary to your garlic butter sauce. Not only does this enhance the taste, but it also adds a lovely fragrance and freshness to the dish. If you’re curious, fresh herbs not only provide flavor but also pack in nutrients, making your meal that much more wholesome. For a twist, consider mixing different herbs to create your perfect blend!
Garlic Butter Chicken with a Kick (Spicy Version)
If you like a little heat, spice up your garlic butter chicken with crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Adding these elements during the garlic sautée process sets the stage for a deliciously spicy sauce that complements the richness of the butter and garlic beautifully. You can even drizzle some hot sauce over the top before serving for an extra layer of flavor. This spicy version is perfect for those who crave a bit of excitement in their meals—give it a try!
Enhancing your dish is easier than you think; simply experiment with different flavors and find your favorites!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Garlic Butter Chicken
When preparing garlic butter chicken, here are some handy tips to elevate your dish:
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Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for chicken breasts that are close to room temperature to ensure even cooking. This prevents the outside from cooking faster than the inside.
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Control Your Salt: Using unsalted butter allows you to manage the saltiness of the dish precisely. If using salted butter, start with less added salt and adjust to taste.
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Fresh Herbs Matter: While fresh parsley is the classic choice, experimenting with thyme or rosemary can add unique flavors. Just remember, fresh herbs infuse more richness than dried ones.
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Lemon for Brightness: A squeeze of lemon juice can cut through the richness of the butter sauce beautifully. Add it sparingly—don’t pour it directly into the pan to avoid breaking the sauce.
Want to further enhance your skills? Check out these chicken cooking methods for expert advice.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken
When serving your garlic butter chicken, consider pairing it with some delightful sides that will complement the rich flavors of the dish. Here are a few suggestions:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans bring freshness and balance to the buttery sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes or Rice: Both are excellent at soaking up the decadent garlic butter sauce, ensuring you won't miss a single drop.
- Crusty Bread: A great way to mop up any leftover sauce, garlic bread or a baguette works wonders.
- Salad: A simple arugula or spinach salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the meal.
Drizzle some additional sauce over your plate, and don’t forget those lemon wedges for a zesty finish! Want more ideas? Check out this guide on perfect chicken pairings.
Time Breakdown for Garlic Butter Chicken
Preparation Time
Getting your ingredients prepped and ready is a breeze. Expect to spend about 10 minutes slicing, dicing, and measuring everything out for your garlic butter chicken.
Cooking Time
Once everything's laid out, the cooking will take around 15-20 minutes. This includes frying the chicken to perfection and creating your luscious garlic butter sauce.
Total Time
In total, you're looking at about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. With this quick and flavorful recipe, you'll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time!
For more delightful chicken recipes, check out Taste of Home's chicken section. Cooking for friends? Don’t forget to try out some sides—like roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Facts for Garlic Butter Chicken
When savoring a plate of garlic butter chicken, understanding the nutritional profile can be helpful. Here’s a snapshot of key nutritional facts:
Calories
Each serving contains approximately 337 calories, making it a satisfying option without straying far from your daily caloric goals.
Protein
With about 30.72g of protein per serving, this dish is not only delicious but also a great source of lean protein, perfect for muscle maintenance and repair.
Sodium
The sodium content is around 690mg, so be mindful if you're watching your salt intake. Opting for lower-sodium chicken stock can help reduce this number significantly while still delivering flavor.
For additional insights on healthy cooking, check out resources like the American Heart Association for more tips.
FAQs about Garlic Butter Chicken
Can I use different types of chicken?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can use thighs or even drumsticks if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as darker meats may require a bit longer to cook through while still ensuring they reach the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic Butter Chicken shines next to a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch
- Mashed potatoes or rice to soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce
- Salad—a simple mixed greens salad adds a refreshing contrast to this rich dish
Feel free to explore some balanced choices on Eatwell for more side ideas!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative, like coconut oil or a vegan butter. The flavor will shift slightly, but you’ll still achieve that delightful garlicky goodness in your garlic butter chicken.
Conclusion on Garlic Butter Chicken
In summary, garlic butter chicken is a delightful dish that elevates any dinner table with minimal effort. Its rich flavors and garlic-infused sauce create a perfect harmony with the chicken, making it a family favorite. Serve it with fresh lemon and your choice of sides for a well-rounded meal!
Garlic Butter Chicken
Equipment
- large pan
Ingredients
- 2 9oz Chicken Breasts brought close to room temp
- ¼ cup Plain / All Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Chicken Stock
- 6 tablespoon Unsalted Butter divided into tablespoon chunks (see notes)
- 2 cloves Garlic minced/finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper plus more to taste
- 1 Lemon divided into 4 wedges (to serve)
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine ¼ cup flour with 1 teaspoon garlic powder & salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Butterfly your chicken breasts right through the centre to make 4 even sized breasts. One by one dredge in the flour (press in the flour to get an even coverage), give them a shake then place to one side.
- Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add in the chicken breasts and fry until golden on each side and white/piping hot through the centre. Approx 3-5mins each side depending on thickness. Place to one side.
- Turn heat down to a medium and add garlic. Fry for 1-2mins until it just begins to brown, then pour in stock. Use your wooden spoon to scrape off any flavour stuck to the pan, then add in your remaining 5 tablespoon butter. Swiftly whisk as it melts to bind with the stock, it should turn slightly cloudy. Sprinkle in parsley and season to taste with salt & black pepper.
- Allow to simmer for a few mins until it starts to thicken, then turn down the heat to low and add the chicken back in. Spoon over the sauce then serve up with extra sauce drizzled over and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste (optional – see notes).
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