Introduction to Garlic Butter Chicken
When it comes to satisfying meals, homemade food undoubtedly outshines fast food. The beauty of making a dish like garlic butter chicken at home is not just about flavor—it's also about control. You choose the freshest ingredients, create a dish tailored to your tastes, and you know what exactly goes into it. Plus, there’s something incredibly rewarding about cooking for yourself or loved ones.
Did you know that studies show home-cooked meals often contain fewer calories and less sugar than their fast-food counterparts? This means that choosing to whip up your favorites can be a healthier choice in the long run. Plus, the aroma of garlic and butter sizzling in your kitchen creates a cozy atmosphere that takeout just can’t replicate.
Cooking can also serve as a much-needed break from our hectic schedules. Whether you’re coming home from work or just looking for a fun weekend project, making garlic butter chicken can be that moment of zen you didn’t know you needed. Ready to dig into this delicious recipe? Let’s get cooking!
For a straightforward guide on how to prepare this mouth-watering dish, check out our full recipe below and discover how effortlessly you can elevate your home dining experience!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken
Essential ingredients for the recipe
To make a delicious garlic butter chicken, you'll need a few key ingredients that bring out the rich, savory flavors:
- Chicken Breasts: Two 9oz/250g chicken breasts are perfect for this dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: About ¼ cup (40g) will help give the chicken that lovely golden crust.
- Unsalted Butter: A total of 6 tablespoons (90g), cut into chunks for easy melting.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced, as garlic is the star here.
- Chicken Stock: Half a cup (120ml) adds depth to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: One tablespoon for frying.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, making sure those flavors shine.
- Fresh Parsley: One tablespoon, finely diced, to add a touch of brightness.
Optional ingredients for customization
Feel free to get creative! Here are some optional ingredients that can elevate your garlic butter chicken:
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze from a lemon adds a refreshing zing to the dish.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be used as alternatives to parsley, though they are stronger in flavor.
- Additional Spices: Consider adding a pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Experiment with these options to make this garlic butter chicken your own! Don't forget to check out our other chicken recipes for more inspiration.
Preparing Garlic Butter Chicken
Getting ready to whip up a delicious garlic butter chicken dish? Fantastic choice! This recipe is not only crowd-pleasing but also perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the preparation!
Gather your ingredients
Before we start cooking, it's essential to gather all your ingredients in one place. This will make the process smoother and keep you organized. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 Chicken Breasts (9oz/250g, brought close to room temp)
- ¼ cup Plain/All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Chicken Stock
- 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided into tablespoon chunks)
- 2 cloves of Garlic (minced/finely diced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (finely diced)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp Black Pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1 Lemon (divided into 4 wedges to serve)
Having everything on hand simplifies the cooking process and makes it more enjoyable.
Prepare the chicken
Now, it’s time to prep the chicken. Start by butterflying your chicken breasts to create four even-sized pieces. This ensures they cook uniformly. After butterflying, dredge each piece in a mixture of flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Press the flour onto the chicken to give it a nice coating, shake off any excess, and set aside.
Make the garlic butter sauce
With the chicken prepped, let’s whip up that heavenly garlic butter sauce. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for just 1-2 minutes until it starts to brown. Next, pour in the chicken stock, scraping any lovely bits stuck to the pan using a wooden spoon. Stir in the remaining five tablespoons of butter, whisking until the sauce becomes slightly cloudy. Sprinkle in the fresh parsley and give it a taste; season with more salt or pepper if needed.
Cook the chicken
Lower the heat to medium and add the floured chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Their delicious aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist.
Combine and serve
Once your chicken is nicely cooked, return it to the garlic butter sauce, spooning it generously over the top. Let it simmer for a bit to soak up all those fantastic flavors. When ready to serve, plate the chicken with extra garlic butter sauce drizzled over it and offer a lemon wedge on the side. This squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing touch that perfectly complements the richness of the sauce.
And there you have it—your garlic butter chicken is ready to impress! Enjoy every bite, and don’t be surprised if you’re asked for seconds. Happy cooking!
Variations on Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken with Herbs
Elevate your garlic butter chicken by introducing fresh herbs into the mix. Consider adding finely chopped rosemary or thyme, which can amplify the flavor profile beautifully. Just a tablespoon of these aromatic herbs will create a vibrant dish that feels gourmet in its essence. If you’re a fan of experimenting, you may want to explore cilantro or basil for a twist on the classic. Fresh herbs not only enhance taste but also provide visual appeal, turning an everyday meal into something special.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Vegetables
For a wholesome twist to your garlic butter chicken, incorporate seasonal vegetables. Think sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach. These add both color and nutrition to your meal, making it a balanced option for busy weeknights. Just toss the veggies into the pan after cooking the chicken, letting them absorb that delicious garlic butter sauce. This not only creates an easy one-pan meal but also helps you punch up the flavors while keeping everything healthy. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate your dining experience!
For more ideas on using herbs and veggies in your cooking, check out this article on flavor pairings and explore how they can transform your dishes.
Cooking Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken
Ensuring Chicken is Perfectly Cooked
To achieve perfectly cooked garlic butter chicken, ensure your chicken breasts are at room temperature before cooking. This helps them cook evenly. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C); using a meat thermometer will eliminate any guesswork and prevent dryness. Remember, thickness matters! Butterfly the chicken for faster, even cooking and that golden crust you crave.
Tips for Reducing Grease
To keep your garlic butter chicken deliciously flavorful yet less greasy, start by using a combination of butter and olive oil—this balances richness with lighter notes. Also, opt for paper towels to blot excess grease after cooking. Finally, consider using a non-stick pan, which can reduce the need for excess oil while still delivering that satisfying sear. Fewer calories, same scrumptious taste! For more cooking tips, check out Healthline for nutrition advice and techniques.
Serving suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken
Side dishes that complement the chicken
When it comes to pairing with garlic butter chicken, think light and vibrant flavors. Some fantastic options include:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide a refreshing crunch.
- Herbed Rice: A bed of fluffy rice flavored with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro will soak up that buttery sauce.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes with a hint of garlic mirror the dish's essence perfectly.
- Salads: A crisp, green salad with a tangy dressing adds a delightful contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Creative plating ideas
Presentation matters! For a stunning plate of garlic butter chicken, try these tips:
- Layering: Start with a base of rice or mashed potatoes, then place the chicken on top, drizzling sauce generously.
- Garnish: Add fresh parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges: A slice of lemon on the side not only looks appealing but encourages guests to add brightness to their meal.
With these ideas, your garlic butter chicken will not only taste sensational but also look impressive on the table! Feel free to explore more about stunning plating aesthetics here.
Time Breakdown for Garlic Butter Chicken
Preparation Time
Getting everything ready for your garlic butter chicken is a breeze! You’ll want to set aside about 10 minutes to gather your ingredients, butterfly the chicken, and prepare the coating mix.
Cooking Time
The cooking process is where the magic happens! Expect to spend around 15-20 minutes cooking time. Most of this is hands-on, where you’ll fry the chicken to a beautiful golden brown and create that dreamy garlic butter sauce.
Total Time
In total, you're looking at about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests! With this simple breakdown, you’ll be savoring your delicious garlic butter chicken in no time.
Making this dish is not only quick but also offers endless possibilities for side dishes. Think fresh garden salad or roasted veggies to complement that rich garlic butter flavor. Want to explore more about meal timing? Check out Epicurious for insightful meal prep strategies!
Nutritional facts for Garlic Butter Chicken
When you indulge in garlic butter chicken, knowing its nutritional profile can help balance your meal. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Calories: 337 kcal per serving, making it a satisfying option without being overly indulgent.
- Protein: A robust 30.72g, perfect for muscle health and keeping you full.
- Sodium: Contains 690mg; this is something to watch for if you're monitoring salt intake.
For more detailed insights, consider checking out resources from Healthline or NutritionData to better understand the benefits of protein and managing sodium levels in your diet. Enjoy your cooking!
FAQs about Garlic Butter Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for chicken breasts for their lean texture, chicken thighs can add extra moisture and flavor. They may require a slightly longer cooking time, so just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How can I make a lighter version of this dish?
For a lighter take on garlic butter chicken, consider these swaps:
- Use skinless chicken breasts to reduce fat.
- Replace half the butter with low-sodium chicken broth to maintain flavor without the extra calories.
- You can also incorporate more veggies, such as spinach or broccoli, to boost nutrition without piling on calories.
What can I serve with garlic butter chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed vegetables, such as green beans or asparagus, for a fresh touch.
- Rice or quinoa to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce.
- A simple salad on the side to add some crunch and balance the richness.
These options will create a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress! For more ideas, check out our sides for chicken dishes.
Conclusion on Garlic Butter Chicken
There's nothing quite like the rich, comforting flavors of garlic butter chicken. If you haven’t tried this recipe yet, I encourage you to give it a go at home! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests. Enjoy creating this delightful dish!
Garlic Butter Chicken
Equipment
- large pan
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
- 2 9oz Chicken Breasts brought close to room temp
- ¼ cup 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 Lemon divided into 4 wedges (to serve)
Instructions
Cooking 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, 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. 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.
- 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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