Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple and delicious dish that elevates any meal. With tender chicken coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The easy stovetop preparation means you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in just 15 minutes. Plus, the unique combination of garlic and apple vinegar adds a delightful twist that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The garlic butter sauce with a hint of apple vinegar brings incredible depth to the chicken.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for serving with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad, making it adaptable to your meal needs.
• Family-Friendly: With its mild yet savory flavors, this dish appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients, this recipe ensures you’re eating well without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slotted spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for searing chicken evenly while allowing for easy sauce preparation.
• Slotted spatula: Perfect for transferring cooked chicken without losing any of that delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Knife: Essential for cutting chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper thickness.
• Cutting board: Keeps your prep area organized and safe while handling fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
• 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)

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup white apple vinegar or chicken broth (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: Prepare the Chicken

1. To a large skillet, add the olive oil.
2. Place the pounded chicken breasts into the skillet and season evenly with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes without disturbing the chicken.

Step 2: Cook Thoroughly

1. After 5 minutes, flip the chicken over. It should have a medium golden color.
2. Allow it to cook on the second side for about 5 minutes or until fully cooked through.
3. Remove the cooked chicken with a slotted spatula and place it on a plate to rest.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Using caution, add apple vinegar (or broth) to deglaze your skillet. Let it bubble up for a few seconds.
2. Add butter and stir continuously until melted.
3. Incorporate minced garlic into the sauce and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Turn off the heat and return the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
2. Flip it around in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated.
3. Optionally garnish with parsley before serving immediately.

This Garlic Butter Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household! Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious dish paired with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal experience.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to suit your dining preferences. Here are some great serving suggestions that will elevate this dish to new heights.

With a Side Salad

• A fresh garden salad with mixed greens adds a crunchy texture and balances the rich flavors of the chicken.

Over Rice

• Serve the garlic butter chicken over fluffy white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the savory sauce, making every bite flavorful.

With Pasta

• Tossing garlic butter chicken with cooked pasta creates a hearty meal. Choose your favorite pasta shape for a comforting dish.

Inside a Wrap

• For a casual meal, wrap slices of garlic butter chicken in a tortilla with fresh veggies. It’s perfect for lunches or picnics.

Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables provide a colorful and nutritious side that complements the rich taste of the chicken.

On Top of Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base for the garlic butter chicken, allowing you to enjoy every drop of sauce.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Perfecting Garlic Butter Chicken involves attention to detail during preparation and cooking. Here are some tips to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

• Use Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents dryness.
• Don’t Disturb While Searing: Allow the chicken to sear without moving it. This helps develop a beautiful golden crust.
• Control Heat: Cook over medium-high heat for optimal browning. Too high can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
• Deglaze Properly: When adding vinegar or broth to deglaze, let it bubble up. This process lifts flavorful bits from the pan.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Every palate is different, so customize to your liking.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Chicken enhances its flavor profile and makes for a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a vibrant color and fresh crunch, balancing the richness of the chicken.
2. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs brings freshness and protein to your meal.
3. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce on your plate.
4. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve garlic butter chicken over cauliflower rice, which absorbs flavors beautifully.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory chicken flavors.
6. Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of garlic butter chicken perfectly.
7. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and texture; slather it lightly with herb butter for extra flavor.
8. Couscous: Fluffy couscous makes an excellent base for this dish, soaking up all those delicious juices from the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Bold seasoning: Under-seasoning the chicken can result in bland flavors. Make sure to use enough salt and spices to enhance the taste.
• Bold chicken thickness: Not pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness may cause uneven cooking. Ensure they are uniform for consistent doneness.
• Bold temperature control: Cooking on too high heat might burn the garlic or butter. Keep the heat at medium-high and monitor closely for best results.
• Bold resting time: Skipping the resting time after cooking can lead to dry chicken. Letting it rest helps retain moisture.
• Bold sauce preparation: Neglecting to deglaze the skillet properly can waste flavorful bits stuck on the pan. Always deglaze for a richer sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure it has cooled completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Freeze the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For best results, slice the chicken before freezing to make reheating easier.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Garlic Butter Chicken.

How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken more flavorful?

Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor profile of your Garlic Butter Chicken. Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonings!

Can I use other meats besides chicken?

Yes! This recipe works well with turkey or even lamb. Adjust cooking times based on the meat you choose for best results.

What is the best way to serve Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, vegetables, or pasta. You can also serve it over a salad for a lighter option.

Can I adjust the amount of garlic used?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of strong garlic flavors, start with less and add more according to your taste preferences.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Garlic Butter Chicken is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and tastes great reheated throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize this recipe by adding different spices or serving it with various sides. It’s sure to become a family favorite that everyone will love!