There’s something simply irresistible about a dish that combines succulent chicken with the rich flavors of garlic and butter. Garlic Butter Chicken is a straightforward yet delicious recipe that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal you’ll cherish. With each bite, you’ll savor the depth of flavor, the aromatic garlic, and the smoothness of the butter, making it a weeknight favorite for many households.
Why We Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
It’s no wonder that Garlic Butter Chicken has earned a special place in our culinary hearts. Firstly, the flavor profile is unbeatable. The combination of aromatic garlic and rich butter envelops the chicken in a savory embrace that is hard to resist.
Another fantastic aspect is the simplicity of the recipe. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the cooking process is quick, allowing you to whip it up on busy weeknights without compromising on taste.
Not only does it offer exceptional flavor, but Garlic Butter Chicken is also versatile. You can serve it with various side dishes, making it adapt well to family preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether paired with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients about Garlic Butter Chicken
To make your Garlic Butter Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (about 9oz/250g each)
- 1/4 cup (40g) plain/all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken stock
- 6 tbsp (90g) 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 Directions
Preparing Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful experience, and the steps are easy to follow. Begin by setting up your work area and gathering all your ingredients.
Prepare the Chicken: Start by taking your chicken breasts and butterflying them. This process involves slicing each breast horizontally to create two even pieces, resulting in a total of four pieces. Not only does this help the chicken cook evenly, but it also allows the flavors of the garlic and butter to penetrate more thoroughly.
Dredge in Flour: Next, take a shallow dish and combine the plain flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each piece of butterflied chicken in this mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. This flour mixture will create a lovely, golden crust when cooked.
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. The combination of butter and olive oil helps to reach a higher cooking temperature while preventing the butter from burning.
Cook the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the dredged chicken pieces in the pan. Allow them to fry for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If you find that your chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning.
Prepare the Sauce: After removing the chicken from the pan, lower the heat to medium. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not burnt. You need to keep a close eye on it, as garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken stock, scraping any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible flavor to your sauce. Stir the mixture continuously until it begins to heat up.
Add Butter and Parsley: Gradually add the remaining butter to the pan, whisking continuously until it’s all melted and incorporated into the sauce. Finally, toss in the fresh parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spooning the delightful garlic butter sauce over each piece. Let it cook together for just a moment, allowing the chicken to soak in the flavors.
Serve: Transfer your Garlic Butter Chicken to a serving dish, and drizzle any remaining sauce on top. You can optionally squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything for added brightness and flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken
Once you’ve successfully prepared your Garlic Butter Chicken, serving it to your family or guests can be just as delightful as making it. This dish shines on its own, but there are several ways to elevate the experience further.
For a classic presentation, serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice. The rice will soak up the rich garlic butter sauce beautifully, making every bite a flavor-packed delight. Alternatively, you could opt for a light pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, which pairs incredibly well with the buttery sauce.
If you prefer a low-carb option, consider serving Garlic Butter Chicken alongside a fresh salad. A mix of leafy greens, colorful veggies, and a light vinaigrette will offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Don’t forget to garnish your dish with some extra parsley for color. Adding some lemon wedges on the side allows everyone to add a spritz of fresh citrus to their servings, complementing the flavorful sauce perfectly.
Expert Tips: Garlic Butter Chicken
- Use High-Quality Butter: The quality of your butter matters significantly in this recipe. Opt for unsalted butter to control the salt level in your dish, and try to choose a brand that is based on grass-fed cows for a richer flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Properly browning the chicken is crucial for developing flavor. Ensure your pan is hot before adding the chicken and resist the urge to move it around too much. Let it sear beautifully on each side.
- Adjust Seasonings: While the recipe provides a foundation for seasoning, feel free to adjust to your tastes. If you’re a fan of spice, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a kick!
- Experiment with Fresh Herbs: Aside from parsley, you could experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to introduce different flavor nuances to the dish.
- Be Mindful of Garlic: Garlic can turn from delicious to bitter if overcooked. Remove it from the heat as soon as it starts to turn golden to maintain its sweet, aromatic character.
How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken
If you happen to have leftovers (though they might be unlikely!), it’s essential to store them properly. Allow the Garlic Butter Chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, simply place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to help revive the sauce’s creaminess. You can also microwave it, but this method may make the chicken slightly tougher.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken. Ensure it is well-wrapped in freezer-safe materials to prevent freezer burn, and store it for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Variation of Garlic Butter Chicken
While the classic Garlic Butter Chicken is always a hit, you might want to try out some variations to keep things exciting.
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken: Incorporate more citrus flavors by adding lemon zest into the flour mixture and squeezing the juice of an extra lemon into the sauce. This variation brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing twist.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: For a richer sauce, blend in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking. This will make the sauce decadently creamy while enveloping the chicken in a velvety texture.
- Vegetable Additions: Don’t hesitate to add some vegetables to your dish. Try throwing in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to boost the nutritional value and add some color to your plate.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: If you’re looking for a bit of heat, mix in some minced chili along with the garlic. This variation will definitely turn up the flavor!
- Herb-Infused Garlic Butter: Experiment with different herbs like basil or cilantro alongside the parsley for a unique aroma and flavor profile. This can change the taste significantly while still fitting within the essence of Garlic Butter Chicken.
FAQ
What is Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious dish made from chicken breasts that are sautéed in a flavorful sauce made from garlic, butter, and herbs. It’s known for its rich, savory taste and ease of preparation.
How do I achieve the perfect flavor in Garlic Butter Chicken?
To achieve the perfect flavor, use high-quality butter and fresh garlic. Properly browning the chicken and making sure the garlic doesn’t burn before adding the chicken stock will elevate the overall flavor.
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare certain components in advance, such as the dredging flour and pre-butterflying the chicken. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to cook the chicken just before serving.
What sides go well with Garlic Butter Chicken?
Garlic Butter Chicken pairs well with various sides such as steamed rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, making it a versatile meal option.
How long can I store leftovers of Garlic Butter Chicken?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts (about 9oz/250g each)
- 1/4 cup plain/all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided into tbsp chunks
- 2 cloves 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 piece lemon, divided into 4 wedges (to serve)
Instructions
Preparation
- Set up your work area and gather all ingredients.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing each breast horizontally to create two even pieces.
- Combine plain flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge each piece of chicken in this mixture.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, place the dredged chicken pieces in the pan and fry for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Sauce Preparation
- Remove the chicken from the pan and lower the heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits.
- Gradually add the remaining butter while whisking until melted. Toss in parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the garlic butter sauce over each piece, and cook briefly to absorb flavors.
Serving
- Transfer the Garlic Butter Chicken to a serving dish, drizzle with remaining sauce, and optionally squeeze fresh lemon juice over before serving.
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