Introduction to Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken is the perfect dish for busy young professionals seeking a satisfying, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this recipe is both practical and impressive. Imagine coming home after a long day and whipping up a savory chicken dinner in under 30 minutes—yes, please!
What makes Garlic Butter Chicken a go-to choice is its versatility. Not only can you easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. From creamy mashed potatoes to a crisp salad, the options are endless. Plus, the savory aroma that fills your kitchen will make it feel like you’ve transformed your space into a gourmet restaurant.
Incorporating simple yet powerful ingredients like fresh garlic and parsley, the dish is not only flavorful but also loaded with culinary appeal. As you sauté the chicken in rich butter and stock, you create a mouthwatering sauce that elevates an ordinary dinner into something special. If you're looking to impress a date or enjoy a cozy night in, Garlic Butter Chicken is your ticket to success—no culinary degree required!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken
Creating a delicious Garlic Butter Chicken dish starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: Start with 2 9oz/250g chicken breasts. For optimal flavor and tenderness, let them come close to room temperature before cooking.
- Flour: You’ll need ¼ cup (40g) of plain or all-purpose flour. This helps achieve that perfect golden crust on the chicken.
- Chicken Stock: A rich ½ cup (120ml) of chicken stock will add depth to your sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: Use 6 tablespoons (90g) of unsalted butter, divided into chunks. This makes for a creamy, mouth-watering sauce—plus, it gives you control over the saltiness.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced or finely diced, which infuse the dish with robust flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: A tablespoon of finely diced fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the overall taste.
- Olive Oil: One tablespoon of olive oil helps in searing the chicken perfectly.
- Seasonings: A teaspoon each of garlic powder, salt, and a half teaspoon of black pepper enhance the flavor profile.
- Lemon: Don't forget one lemon, cut into wedges, for a touch of brightness when serving.
Gather these ingredients and you're ready to whip up an irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken that will impress family and friends alike! For more tips, consider checking out sources like Serious Eats for culinary techniques or Bon Appétit for flavor insights.
Step-by-step Preparation of Garlic Butter Chicken
Creating a delicious Garlic Butter Chicken dish is simpler than you might think! Follow these easy-to-understand steps, and soon you’ll have a meal that’s not only scrumptious but also impressive enough to share with friends or whip up for a cozy night in.
Gather all the ingredients
Before diving in, it’s essential to have everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 x 9oz/250g Chicken Breasts, brought close to room temperature
- ¼ cup / 40g Plain / All Purpose Flour
- ½ cup / 120ml Chicken Stock
- 6 tablespoon / 90g Unsalted Butter, divided into tablespoon chunks
- 2 cloves of Garlic, minced or finely diced
- 1 tablespoon finely diced Fresh Parsley
- 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 for serving
Make sure you have a shallow dish for mixing the flour and a large pan for cooking—these will make your life so much easier!
Prepare the chicken for cooking
To ensure even cooking, start by butterflying your chicken breasts. This means slicing them through the center to create two thinner cutlets from each breast. Next, take each piece and dredge it in the flour mixture, which consists of the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently press the chicken into the flour, then give it a little shake to remove excess flour. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful, golden crust later on!
Dredge chicken in flour mixture
Once your chicken pieces are coated in the flour mix, set them aside while you prepare the pan. This will help create a lovely crust when you start cooking the chicken.
Sauté the chicken until golden brown
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When hot, place your chicken in the pan. Cook until each side is golden brown—this should take about 3 to 5 minutes for each side, depending on the thickness. Make sure it’s cooked through and not just on the outside! After cooking, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Create the garlic butter sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan, sautéing it for 1 to 2 minutes until it begins to brown. Then, pour in the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape off any flavors stuck to the pan. This is where the magic happens as you mix in the remaining butter until the sauce binds and turns slightly cloudy. Add parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add chicken back into the sauce
Finally, it’s time to bring everything together. Reduce the heat to low and gently add the chicken back into the pan, spooning the garlic butter sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for a little while, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it up with extra sauce drizzled on top and a wedge of lemon for that perfect finishing touch.
There you have it—your Garlic Butter Chicken is now ready to impress! Enjoy it with a side of veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For more cooking tips and inspiration, consider checking out Serious Eats and BBC Good Food for other delightful recipes. Happy cooking!
Variations on Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken with Herbs
Elevate your Garlic Butter Chicken by incorporating fresh herbs! Adding a medley of herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil can complement the richness of the butter beautifully. Just chop them finely and stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. Not only do they enhance the flavor, but they also bring stunning color and freshness to the dish. For a quick tip, try combining parsley and thyme for a delightful aromatic experience – your taste buds will thank you!
Garlic Butter Chicken with a Spicy Twist
If you're craving a kick, spice things up with a Garlic Butter Chicken recipe that packs some heat! Consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic while sautéing for an extra zing. You might also try marinating the chicken in a mix of olive oil, lime juice, and your favorite spicy seasoning—think Cajun or taco seasoning—to infuse it with flavor. Remember, balance is key, so pair the spice with a fresh squeeze of lemon to cut through the heat. Happy cooking!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Garlic Butter Chicken
When preparing your Garlic Butter Chicken, keep these tips in mind for the best results:
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Chicken Preparation: For even cooking, bring your chicken breasts to room temperature before cooking. This helps ensure a perfect sear.
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Butter Measurement: Use a precise measuring spoon for butter; heaping tablespoons can lead to a greasy dish. Consider weighing for accuracy.
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Flavor Balance: A squeeze of lemon right before serving cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully. Just remember to do this on your plate, not in the pan!
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Herb Varieties: While parsley shines in this dish, experimenting with fresh thyme or rosemary can also elevate the flavor. Just remember: less is often more with stronger herbs.
Check out more useful cooking tips from Serious Eats to enhance your culinary skills!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken
When it comes to serving your Garlic Butter Chicken, the options are delightful and varied. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
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Sides: Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add a vibrant color and texture.
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Salads: A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast.
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Breads: Don’t underestimate a good crusty bread! It’s perfect for sopping up that delicious sauce.
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Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a lemon wedge adds freshness.
For more ideas on complementary dishes, check out Food Network for inspiring recipes. Enjoy your meal!
Time Breakdown for Garlic Butter Chicken
Preparation Time
Getting your ingredients prepped is a breeze and only takes about 10 minutes. This includes butterfly cutting the chicken and dredging it in flour, allowing you to enjoy the cooking process without feeling rushed.
Cooking Time
Once you're in the kitchen, the actual cooking part will take about 15-20 minutes. This time allows for perfectly golden chicken and a delicious garlic-infused sauce that’ll leave your taste buds dancing.
Total Time
All in all, you'll be looking at a total time of 25-30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick yet satisfying. Enjoy this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe with a side salad or steamed veggies for a delightful meal.
For more recipe ideas, check out resources like Serious Eats or Bon Appétit for inspiration!
Nutritional Facts for Garlic Butter Chicken
Calories
Our Garlic Butter Chicken packs a satisfying punch with approximately 337 calories per serving. It’s a meal that keeps you energized without overindulging.
Protein
With a remarkable 30.72g of protein, this dish is a fantastic source for muscle repair and growth, making it perfect for active individuals or anyone looking to boost their protein intake.
Sodium
Keep an eye on the 690mg sodium content; while it adds flavor, it’s always wise to balance it within your daily intake. Consider using low-sodium chicken stock if you’re watching your salt.
For more tips on nutrition and portion control, check out this authoritative source on healthy eating. Enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken while keeping your nutritional goals in mind!
FAQs about Garlic Butter Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute for breasts in this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe. They stay tender and juicy, especially when cooked with the rich butter and garlic sauce. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?
For a delicious and balanced meal, try serving your Garlic Butter Chicken with sides like steamed broccoli or green beans, creamy mashed potatoes, or a light, refreshing salad. You can even pair it with rice or quinoa to soak up that irresistible garlic butter sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is easy! Allow the Garlic Butter Chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just be sure to place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best flavor and texture.
For more tips and techniques on chicken cooking, check out this detailed guide for all things poultry!
Conclusion on Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for any weeknight dinner. With its rich, savory flavors and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Try serving it alongside a fresh salad or your favorite grains for a complete meal!
For more delectable recipes, visit Food Network or check out Serious Eats for cooking tips.
Garlic Butter Chicken
Equipment
- large pan
Ingredients
- 2 pieces 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
- 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 piece 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.
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