Introduction to Garlic Butter Chicken
There's something incredibly comforting about a dish that is both simple and indulgent, and garlic butter chicken fits that bill perfectly! This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to whip up a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, all made with just four main ingredients. Could it get any better?
Why Garlic Butter Chicken is the Perfect Weeknight Meal
With a prep time of only 10 minutes and a total cook time of about 20 minutes, this dish is tailor-made for busy professionals. After a long day, the last thing you want is to tackle a complicated recipe. Instead, you can enjoy the satisfaction of cooking something impressive right at home, perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a cozy night in.
Not to mention, garlic has numerous health benefits, including boosting your immune system and providing antioxidants. So not only is this garlic butter chicken totally delicious, but it also packs a nutritious punch! If you're feeling adventurous, consider pairing it with sautéed vegetables or a light salad to elevate your dinner experience.
Want to dive deeper into the benefits of garlic? Check out Healthline’s article on garlic’s health perks. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken
Breakdown of the Essential Ingredients
To whip up this delicious garlic butter chicken, you'll need a few key ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering dish. The essentials include:
- Chicken Breasts: 2x 9oz/250g, ideally at room temperature for even cooking.
- Plain/All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup for dredging the chicken, providing a crispy coating.
- Butter: 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter will create a rich sauce that infuses the chicken with flavor.
- Chicken Stock: ½ cup to blend with the butter and create a savory sauce.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced to pack a punch of flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon for a refreshing garnish.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon to help sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- Seasonings: Salt and black pepper enhance the flavors, while garlic powder adds an extra layer of garlicky goodness.
Options for Ingredient Substitutions
Don't fret if you're missing a few items! This garlic butter chicken recipe is versatile:
- Butter: If you're out of unsalted butter, feel free to use salted butter but be cautious with additional salt.
- Chicken Stock: Substitute homemade broth or even vegetable stock depending on your preference.
- Garlic: In a pinch, garlic powder can replace fresh garlic (¼ teaspoon for every clove).
- Parsley: Dried herbs work, but fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the dish even more.
Remember, cooking is all about improvisation! For more ingredient inspiration, check out this guide by the USDA on seasonal produce and swaps.
Preparing Garlic Butter Chicken
Getting ready to cook a delicious garlic butter chicken is an exciting process—one that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. If you’re aiming for a quick and satisfying meal, you’ll love this simple guide to preparing your chicken dish. Let’s dive into it!
Gather and prepare your ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. This not only helps streamline your cooking but also ensures you don’t forget anything. Here’s what you need:
- 2 x 9oz/250g Chicken Breasts (brought close to room temp)
- ¼ cup / 40g Plain 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, cut into wedges for serving
Take a few moments to organize your workspace. Chopping your garlic, measuring your flour, and preparing your chicken will make the cooking process much smoother.
Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture
Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to coat your chicken breasts. In a shallow dish, combine your flour with the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Now, take each chicken breast and butterfly it to create four evenly sized pieces. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing it down to ensure an even coating. A light shake before setting them aside will help get rid of excess flour.
Sear the chicken to golden perfection
Now for the fun part—cooking! Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of butter with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Let them sear for about 3-5 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them; you want that beautiful golden color and for the chicken to be cooked through (white and piping hot in the center).
Create the garlic butter sauce
With your chicken cooked, it’s time to whip up that irresistible garlic butter sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan, cooking it for about 1-2 minutes until it's just starting to brown. Next, pour in the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Now, add the remaining butter—whisking it in until it melts. This will give you a rich, creamy sauce. Stir in the fresh parsley and season with extra salt and pepper to your liking.
Combine and simmer for mouthwatering goodness
Finally, return your golden chicken to the pan and let it sit in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb those fantastic flavors. This is where the magic happens! If you’re feeling adventurous, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over your dish before serving can brighten up the richness a bit. Serve up your garlic butter chicken with the sauce drizzled generously over, and watch your friends and family swoon over this delightful meal!
Cooking can be a joy, and when you savor every step like this, you're sure to create something memorable. Enjoy your beautiful meal!
Variations on Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken with Veggies
One of the best ways to elevate your garlic butter chicken is by incorporating seasonal vegetables. Think tender asparagus, vibrant bell peppers, or even hearty mushrooms! Simply toss your veggie favorites into the pan after cooking the chicken and sauté them in the leftover garlic butter sauce for a delicious, wholesome meal. Not only do they add color and nutrition, but they also soak up all those rich, buttery flavors.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Herbs
Another fantastic variation is to experiment with different herbs in your garlic butter chicken. While parsley provides a classic touch, why not try thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic twist? Fresh herbs infuse the sauce with their unique flavors, transforming this dish into a gourmet experience. Just keep in mind that some herbs, like rosemary, can be quite strong—use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Cooking tips and notes for Garlic Butter Chicken
The best way to achieve juicy chicken
To ensure your garlic butter chicken turns out juicy, consider butterflying the chicken breasts before cooking. This technique not only allows for even cooking but significantly reduces the likelihood of overcooking. Also, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking can help retain moisture—this is a game-changer!
Common pitfalls to avoid
Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying your chicken. This can create steam and prevent that beautiful golden crust you’re aiming for. Additionally, remember to keep the heat at medium-high when first searing; if it’s too low, the chicken can dry out. For more expert tips, check out this guide on chicken cooking techniques.
Serving suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken
Pairing with sides that complement the dish
To elevate your garlic butter chicken experience, consider sides that balance its rich, garlicky flavor. A light, zesty green salad drizzled with a simple vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint.
Other excellent options include:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans: These add a nutritious and colorful touch.
- Mashed potatoes or rice: Perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add texture and flavor.
Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon to brighten the plate!
Creative presentation ideas
Making your garlic butter chicken visually appealing can enhance the dining experience. Here are some fun presentation ideas:
- Plate the chicken on a bed of mashed potatoes or rice, then drizzle the sauce generously over the top.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges for a pop of color.
- Use a large rustic wooden board for a more casual, family-style serving.
Consider serving in vibrant dishes or alongside colorful companions to make every meal feel like a special occasion, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Time Breakdown for Garlic Butter Chicken
Preparation Time
Getting ready for your garlic butter chicken adventure takes just 10 minutes. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather your ingredients and start daydreaming about the deliciously rich flavors that await.
Cooking Time
The cooking magic unfolds in around 20 minutes. This is when the chicken transforms into a golden delight, soaking in all that savory garlic butter goodness.
Total Time
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on your table. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe lets you whip up something truly special without the fuss.
By the way, if you're interested in learning more about time-efficient cooking, check out BBC Good Food for expert tips!
Nutritional Facts for Garlic Butter Chicken
When whipping up a delicious plate of garlic butter chicken, it’s helpful to know what you’re serving up. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Calories per serving
Each serving contains approximately 337 calories, making it a satisfying yet manageable option for dinner.
Protein content
This dish packs in 30.72g of protein, thanks to the chicken breasts, making it an excellent choice for muscle repair and energy!
Sodium levels
Keep an eye on the 690mg of sodium per serving. While it's flavorful, balancing it with low-sodium sides can help keep your meal health-conscious.
For more insights on dietary preferences and how to adjust recipes, feel free to explore resources like the USDA FoodData Central for comprehensive nutrition data!
FAQs about Garlic Butter Chicken
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Skinless chicken breasts work perfectly for garlic butter chicken. By removing the skin, you’ll reduce the fat content while still keeping the dish deliciously flavorful. Just be sure to monitor cooking times as skinless chicken can cook slightly faster than skin-on varieties.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you're looking for a butter alternative, you can use olive oil, coconut oil, or even a plant-based butter. Keep in mind that substituting butter will alter the flavor slightly, but you’ll still achieve a lovely richness in your garlic butter chicken. Use about the same amount as the recipe calls for butter to maintain the sauce's texture.
How do I store leftovers of garlic butter chicken?
Leftover garlic butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to cool it completely before packaging it for the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock if it seems dry.
For more tips on cooking chicken, check out resources from the USDA or the Chicken Council!
Conclusion on Garlic Butter Chicken
In conclusion, this garlic butter chicken is a delightful dish that elevates any weeknight dinner. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it's perfect for those busy evenings. Don't forget to drizzle some extra sauce and add a squeeze of lemon for that refreshing finish. Enjoy!
Garlic Butter Chicken
Equipment
- large frying pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Shallow Dish
- Sharp Knife
- Chopping Board
- Jug
- Tongs
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts brought close to room temp
- ¼ cup Plain 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 unit Lemon divided into 4 wedges (to serve)
Instructions
Preparation
- 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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