Introduction to Garlic Butter Chicken
The ultimate weeknight twist on chicken
If you’re searching for a quick and delicious midweek meal, look no further than garlic butter chicken. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when flavor is non-negotiable but time is limited. With just four simple ingredients for a mouthwatering sauce—garlic, butter, stock, and parsley—you can whip up a culinary delight that leaves an impression!
Imagine stepping into your kitchen after a long day and, within just 30 minutes, treating yourself to succulent chicken breasts enveloped in rich, garlicky goodness. It’s comforting and satisfying—just the way a perfect weeknight dinner should be. Whether you’re cooking for family or simply treating yourself, this recipe is bound to be a hit.
Did you know that garlic is not just delicious but also boasts impressive health benefits? Rich in antioxidants and known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s no wonder garlic has earned its place in kitchens worldwide. For a deeper dive into garlic's health perks, check out this Nutritional Studies.
So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the world of garlic butter chicken. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken
Essential ingredients for simplicity
For the ultimate garlic butter chicken, you really don’t need much! This recipe shines with a handful of basic ingredients that combine to create a delicious, hearty meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts (2 x 9oz/250g): Tender and juicy, chicken breasts form the star of this dish.
- Plain/All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup / 40g): A light dredge helps create a beautiful crust.
- Chicken Stock (½ cup / 120ml): Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoon / 90g): Rich and creamy, it’s essential for that luscious garlic sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): The heart of the dish, delivering that irresistible aroma.
Optional add-ins for customization
Feel like personalizing your garlic butter chicken? Here are a few optional add-ins to elevate the flavor:
- Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, finely diced): Brightens the dish and adds freshness.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps achieve a crispier texture when frying.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): For extra garlicky goodness—perfect for garlic lovers.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon just before serving offers a nice contrast to the richness.
Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist! For more exciting additions and cooking tips, check out Bon Appétit for flavor inspiration.
Preparing Garlic Butter Chicken
Cooking garlic butter chicken is not just about tossing ingredients together; it’s an enjoyable process that can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a delightful culinary experience. Follow these steps, and soon you'll have a mouthwatering meal ready to impress!
Gather Your Kitchen Tools
Before diving in, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Frying Pan: For searing your chicken and making the sauce.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and scraping the flavorful bits off the pan.
- Shallow Dish: For dredging the chicken in flour and seasoning.
- Sharp Knife & Chopping Board: To prepare your chicken and garlic easily.
- Jug or Measuring Cup: For measuring your chicken stock.
- Tongs: Great for flipping your chicken without fuss.
Having everything prepared ahead of time makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable!
Prep the Chicken for Cooking
Start by handling the star of the dish, your chicken breasts. If they’re cold, let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then, to ensure even cooking, butterfly the breasts by slicing each through the center. This method helps them cook uniformly and stay juicy. Once that’s done, dredge each piece in the flour mixture to create a lovely, crispy coating. Don’t forget to shake off any excess flour!
Create the Flour Mixture
In your shallow dish, mix ¼ cup of all-purpose flour with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple combination not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that beautiful golden crust when you sear the chicken.
Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat up your large frying pan over medium-high heat, adding a tablespoon of butter along with a tablespoon of olive oil. The oil prevents the butter from burning, ensuring a perfect sear. Sear your chicken for about 3-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remember, the goal is to have them golden outside while making sure they cook through completely!
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Once the chicken is out of the pan, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté it until just golden; this should only take 1-2 minutes. Now, pour in the chicken stock and scrape any delicious bits stuck to the pan, as these add incredible flavor. Stir in the remaining butter while whisking to create a rich and silky sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley finishes off the sauce beautifully.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return your perfectly seared chicken to the pan, allowing it to soak up all that wonderful garlic butter sauce. Let them simmer for just a few minutes to meld flavors. When ready, serve this garlic butter chicken drizzled with the luscious sauce and enjoy every bite!
This meal is not only satisfying but can also be paired nicely with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies for a complete dinner. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations on Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken with Herbs
For a delightful twist, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to your garlic butter chicken. Simply incorporate them into the sauce as it simmers, allowing their aromatic qualities to infuse the dish. Using herbs elevates the flavor and adds a beautiful touch of color to your meal. You’ll find this variation pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a side of rice. If you're keen on exploring herb combinations, check out the Herb Society of America for inspiration.
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Version
Craving a kick? Transform your classic garlic butter chicken into a spicy delight! Add diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the garlic and butter mixture. This will give your dish a bold flavor that balances perfectly with the richness of the butter. Don't hesitate to experiment with spice levels—after all, it's your kitchen! For those who appreciate a fiery feast, this variation is sure to impress.
Cooking tips and notes for Garlic Butter Chicken
Tips for achieving the best sauce
To create a rich and creamy sauce for your garlic butter chicken, be sure to take your time when melting the butter. Add it gradually to the hot chicken stock, whisking to emulsify. For maximum flavor, don't skip the step of scraping the pan—those browned bits hold tons of taste! If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Notes on ingredient substitutions
Don’t fret if you’re missing an ingredient! You can swap plain flour for cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative. For a delightful twist, substitute fresh parsley with cilantro or basil. If you're out of chicken stock, water will work in a pinch but may require a little more seasoning. Experimenting with these substitutions can bring your own unique flair to this garlic butter chicken delight!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken
Pairing with Sides
To complement your garlic butter chicken, consider serving it with vibrant, seasonal vegetables or a light salad. Steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans add a fresh crunch, while fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, a side of garlic bread can elevate the garlicky goodness even further! For a tasty salad option, try a simple arugula salad with olive oil and lemon dressing for a refreshing contrast.
Garnishes for a Beautiful Presentation
A garnish can take your garlic butter chicken dish from ordinary to extraordinary! Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor. Consider adding lemon wedges on the side for an eye-catching finish. A simple squeeze right before serving provides a lovely brightness that balances the richness of the sauce. For an extra touch, you could even add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice and color.
Feel free to check out these side dishes for more inspiration, and don't hesitate to mix and match to find your perfect pairings!
Time breakdown for Garlic Butter Chicken
Preparation time
Getting started with your garlic butter chicken doesn’t take much time at all! You’ll need around 10 minutes to prepare your ingredients and get everything ready.
Cooking time
Once you're ready to go, the cooking process itself takes about 20 minutes. This is when the magic happens in your pan!
Total time
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, garlicky meal on the table. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
By the way, if you're looking for kitchen tools to streamline this process, consider checking out some recommended gear, like frying pans and tongs, on Amazon or KitchenAid. A little preparation saves a lot of time in the kitchen! Want more tips and tricks for meal prep? Dive into this helpful guide.
Nutritional Facts for Garlic Butter Chicken
When it comes to enjoying delicious garlic butter chicken, understanding its nutritional content can help you make informed choices. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Calories
Each serving contains approximately 337 calories, making it a satisfying option for dinner without tipping the scales.
Protein
Packed with 30.72g of protein per serving, this dish is a fantastic source of lean protein, perfect for muscle repair and growth.
Sodium
With around 690mg of sodium, it's advisable to be mindful if you’re watching your salt intake. Consider balancing it with fresh vegetables or opting for low-sodium chicken stock for a healthier twist.
For more insights on nutritional values, check out NutritionData for detailed analysis and comparisons. This way, you can enjoy your meal while managing your dietary needs!
FAQs about Garlic Butter Chicken
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Garlic butter chicken can be prepped a few hours in advance. Just follow the recipe, but stop before cooking the chicken. Store the dredged chicken and the sauce ingredients separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the chicken and bring the sauce together. It'll be just as delicious!
What can I serve with garlic butter chicken?
This rich dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You might also enjoy it with garlic bread—a perfect way to soak up the delicious sauce!
How do I store leftovers properly?
Store any leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months; just ensure it's well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.
For more tips on storing or reinventing leftovers, check out this helpful guide.
Conclusion on Garlic Butter Chicken
In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious, garlic butter chicken dinner that’s sure to impress! This simple recipe provides rich flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Paired with a squeeze of lemon, it’s a comforting dish you’ll keep coming back to. Remember to check out more recipes for quick meals!
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/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 3-5 mins each side depending on thickness. Place to one side.
- Turn heat down to a medium and add garlic. Fry for 1-2 mins 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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