If you’re craving a simple yet delicious dinner, then you’ll love my Garlic Butter Chicken recipe. This dish is packed with flavor, quick to prepare, and perfect for any night. With just a few key ingredients like tender chicken, rich butter, and savory garlic, you’ll impress your family or guests without the fuss. Let me guide you through the steps to create a meal that’s sure to please!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
– 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Additions
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
I love using fresh ingredients for this garlic butter chicken. The chicken breasts are the star here. They stay juicy and soak up all the flavors. I use unsalted butter for a rich taste. The garlic adds a lovely aroma and depth to the dish.
Fresh herbs make a big difference. I recommend thyme and rosemary. They bring a nice touch of earthiness. You can use dried herbs if needed, but fresh is best.
The chicken broth is key. It gives the sauce a savory base. The lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter. Don’t forget the fresh parsley! It adds color and a fresh taste as a garnish.
You can find the Full Recipe for step-by-step cooking. Enjoy making this easy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
– Melt butter in a skillet and brown the chicken.
Start by drying the chicken. This helps it cook well and get a nice crust. Season both sides with salt and pepper. These simple steps build a strong flavor base.
Next, heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add two tablespoons of butter. Wait until it melts and bubbles. Then, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
– Sauté garlic with thyme and rosemary.
– Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet.
Now let’s make the sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once it melts, toss in the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. Stir it often to avoid burning. You want it to smell amazing!
After the garlic is fragrant, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Scrape the bottom of the pan to get all those tasty bits. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
Combining Ingredients
– Return the chicken to the pan and allow to simmer.
– Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Now it’s time to combine everything. Place the chicken back in the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 5 more minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors.
When you are ready to serve, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Not only does it add color, but it also brings fresh taste. Enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To achieve the best sear on chicken, start with dry breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels. Then, heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of butter before placing the chicken in the pan. This helps to get that rich golden color. Cook each side around six to seven minutes. You want a nice crust without burning.
To ensure the garlic doesn’t burn, add it after the chicken is browned. Once the chicken is off the skillet, melt the remaining butter and then add the garlic. Stir it for one to two minutes. This way, it gets fragrant without turning bitter.
Flavor Enhancements
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. Both add warmth and depth to the dish. You could also sprinkle some fresh lemon zest for a bright twist.
When it comes to sides, roasted veggies are a great match. Think carrots, broccoli, or green beans tossed in olive oil. Creamy mashed potatoes also pair well, soaking up that garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
For plating, serve the Garlic Butter Chicken on a large platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This adds a pop of color and freshness.
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. Its acidity complements the buttery sauce nicely. If you prefer cocktails, a light gin and tonic works well. The herbs in the drink echo the flavors in your meal.
For the full recipe, click here: [Full Recipe].
Variations
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
To turn this dish into pasta, you need a few extra ingredients:
– 8 ounces of pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine works well)
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Additional parsley for garnish
Step-by-step modifications:
1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt and then the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Follow the Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe: Prepare the chicken as detailed in the Full Recipe.
3. Combine: After making the sauce, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the garlic butter sauce.
4. Finish: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve hot with extra parsley on top.
Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Using chicken thighs instead of breasts adds more flavor and juiciness.
Adjusting cooking times for tenderness:
– Cooking Time: Thighs usually need a few more minutes. Cook for about 8-10 minutes on each side.
– Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer. The internal temp should reach 165°F. This ensures the chicken is tender and juicy.
Vegetarian Alternatives
For a plant-based version, you can swap chicken for these proteins:
– Firm tofu, cubed
– Seitan or tempeh
Adapting the sauce recipe for veggie options:
1. Use Vegetable Broth: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
2. Prepare Tofu or Seitan: Sauté the tofu or seitan until golden, similar to chicken.
3. Follow the Sauce Steps: Use the same garlic butter sauce recipe. It adds great flavor to your veggie option.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
To store Garlic Butter Chicken in the fridge, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and safe to eat. Store it in the fridge for up to three days for the best taste and quality.
Freezing Chicken
If you want to keep the dish longer, freezing is a good option. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your chicken, use gentle heat to keep it moist. The oven works well. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Check every minute to avoid drying it out. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken with full flavors!
FAQs
How long does Garlic Butter Chicken take to cook?
Garlic Butter Chicken is quick to make. You need about 30 minutes.
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cooking Time: 20 minutes
First, you pat the chicken dry and season it. Then, brown the chicken for around 6-7 minutes on each side. After that, make the garlic butter sauce, which takes about 5 minutes to cook. Finally, let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes. This gives you a lovely, flavorful dish without much fuss.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to cook them safely.
– Cooking Tip: Thaw the chicken first for even cooking.
– If you cook from frozen, add extra time. Aim for about 10-15 more minutes of cooking.
It’s best to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe. This ensures your meal is both tasty and safe!
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some popular choices:
– Roasted vegetables (like carrots and broccoli)
– Creamy mashed potatoes
– Rice or quinoa
– Garlic bread
These sides help balance the rich flavor of the chicken. You can also add a fresh salad for a light touch. For a full meal experience, try serving it with lemon wedges. They add a bright flavor that enhances the dish. For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
This blog post laid out a simple garlic butter chicken recipe. We covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. Variations like pasta or vegetarian options add fun twists. Storage tips help keep leftovers fresh and tasty.
Now, you can enjoy a flavorful meal with ease. Trust your skills and the tips shared here. Dive into cooking, and make this dish your own. Enjoy your culinary journey!
