Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with a rich, savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, making it a versatile choice for any meal. With its quick preparation time and mouthwatering flavor, this dish will soon become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Garlic Butter Chicken can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and apple vinegar creates a rich sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
• Versatile Meal: This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or vegetables, allowing you to customize your meal.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends, this recipe fits right in.
• Kid-Friendly: With its savory taste and tender texture, even picky eaters will enjoy it!

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Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slotted spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Meat mallet (for pounding chicken)
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and allows you to sear the chicken perfectly.
• Slotted spatula: This tool helps transfer the chicken without losing any delicious juices.
• Meat mallet: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy.

Ingredients

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only simple but also requires minimal ingredients for maximum flavor.

Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness (4 average-sized breasts))
– 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
– 1/2 cup white apple vinegar or chicken broth (or as necessary)
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more if you want extra sauce)
– 1 tablespoon garlic (finely minced; or to taste)
– 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

1. To a large skillet, add the olive oil.
2. Place the pounded chicken in the skillet. Season evenly with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes without moving the chicken.
4. After this time, flip the chicken over; it should have a medium golden color. For thicker breasts, sear for an additional 6-7 minutes.

Step 2: Cook Through

1. Allow the chicken to cook on the second side for about 5 minutes or until fully cooked through.
2. Again, do not disturb while cooking.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken using a slotted spatula and place it on a plate to rest.

Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet

1. Carefully add apple vinegar (or broth) into the skillet.
2. Allow it to bubble up and steam for a few seconds.

Step 5: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Add butter into the skillet and let it melt for about one minute while stirring continuously until fully melted.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, which should take about one minute—stir continuously.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Turn off the heat.
2. Return the chicken back into the skillet, flipping it around in the garlic butter sauce.
3. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

1. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Parsley – Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness.
• Chives – Add snipped chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the garlic butter sauce.

Over Rice or Pasta

• White Rice – Serve the chicken over fluffy white rice to soak up all the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Pasta – Toss with cooked pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti for an easy, comforting meal.

With Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli – The bright green color and crunchiness of broccoli pair well with the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Roasted Asparagus – Add roasted asparagus spears for a flavorful, healthy side that adds texture.

In a Salad

• Mixed Greens – Slice the chicken and serve it on a bed of mixed greens with your favorite dressing for a light option.
• Caesar Salad – Top a Caesar salad with sliced Garlic Butter Chicken for added protein and flavor.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

For perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Chicken, follow these essential tips. These will help you achieve tender, juicy chicken every time.

• Use even thickness – Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Don’t disturb while searing – Allow the chicken to sear undisturbed on each side for optimal browning and flavor.
• Deglaze properly – Use apple vinegar or broth to deglaze the skillet, ensuring you capture all those delicious browned bits.
• Adjust seasoning to taste – Feel free to adjust salt, pepper, and seasonings based on your preference for optimal flavor.
• Rest before serving – Let the chicken rest after cooking so juices redistribute, keeping it moist.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing Garlic Butter Chicken with complementary side dishes enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a perfect canvas for the rich sauce.
2. Sautéed Green Beans – Crisp-tender green beans add color and crunch; sauté them in olive oil and garlic for extra flavor.
3. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken beautifully.
4. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn complements savory dishes like Garlic Butter Chicken; grill or boil it for simplicity.
5. Cauliflower Rice – For a low-carb option, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice seasoned with herbs.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with garlic butter flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Garlic Butter Chicken even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Not pounding the chicken: If you skip this step, the chicken may cook unevenly. Always pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Adding too many chicken pieces at once can lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the chicken right away can cause juices to spill out, making it dry. Let it rest on a plate after cooking for maximum juiciness.
• Using too much liquid: Adding excess broth or vinegar can dilute the flavor of your sauce. Use just enough to deglaze the pan while keeping that rich garlic butter taste.
• Cooking at too high a heat: If the heat is too high, you risk burning the garlic and ruining the sauce. Maintain medium-high heat for best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Garlic Butter Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to 2 months.

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.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist while reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Butter Chicken.

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for quick dinners.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results and optimal flavor.

How do I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or asparagus during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken healthy?

With lean chicken and healthy fats from olive oil and butter, this dish can fit into many diets when enjoyed in moderation.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different herbs or vegetables based on your preferences. Try this delightful recipe today; it’s sure to become a family favorite!