Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, rich garlic butter, and a hint of apple vinegar for a burst of flavor. This recipe is not only quick, taking just 15 minutes to prepare, but it also works beautifully for various occasions—from weeknight dinners to special family gatherings. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, Garlic Butter Chicken will surely become a favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This chicken recipe is ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and apple vinegar creates an irresistible sauce that enhances the chicken’s taste.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, pasta, or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal that suits any palate.
• Family Favorite: With its delicious flavors and appealing presentation, this dish is sure to please everyone at the dining table.
• Easy Cleanup: One skillet means less mess and hassle when you’re done cooking.

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Tools and Preparation

To whip up this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slotted spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking and browning of the chicken without crowding.
• Slotted spatula: This tool helps lift the cooked chicken without losing the tasty juices from the pan.
• Chef’s knife: A good-quality chef’s knife makes chopping garlic easy and efficient.

Ingredients

For this flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness (4 average-sized breasts))
• 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)
• 1/2 cup white apple vinegar or chicken broth (or 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: Sear the Chicken

To start, heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and pounded chicken breasts. Season evenly with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes without moving them around. After this time, flip the chicken; it should have a medium golden color. If using thicker pieces, sear for an additional minute or two.

Step 2: Cook Through

Allow the chicken to cook on the second side for approximately 5 minutes or until fully cooked through. Again, avoid disturbing it while it’s searing.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken using a slotted spatula. Place it on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet

With caution, pour in your apple vinegar (or broth) to deglaze the skillet. Allow it to bubble up and steam briefly—this will lift those delicious brown bits stuck at the bottom.

Step 5: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

Add unsalted butter into the bubbling liquid. Stir continuously until melted—this should take about one minute.

Step 6: Add Garlic

Next, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about one minute. Keep stirring to prevent burning.

Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Turn off your heat; return the chicken back into the skillet. Flip it several times in that luscious garlic butter sauce to coat thoroughly.

Step 8: Serve

Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately for that extra touch!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this flavorful meal.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Add a colorful mix of steamed broccoli, carrots, and green beans for a nutritious side that complements the richness of the chicken.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce; it’s a perfect way to make the meal more filling.

In a Wrap or Sandwich

• Slice the cooked chicken and place it in a wrap with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a quick and tasty lunch option.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Enhance flavor by sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro over the chicken just before serving; it adds freshness and color.

With Garlic Bread

• Pair Garlic Butter Chicken with warm garlic bread for a delightful combination that everyone will love; it’s great for dipping into the sauce!

As Part of a Salad

• Cube the chicken and toss it into a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese for a light yet satisfying meal.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Creating perfectly juicy and flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these guidelines to elevate your dish.

• Use even thickness: Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking; this helps avoid dry spots.

• Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing; this allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lower the pan temperature, leading to steaming instead of searing.

• Deglaze carefully: When deglazing, be cautious as hot liquids can splatter; scrape up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor in your sauce.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste the garlic butter sauce before serving and adjust seasoning as needed; this ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich flavors.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that pairs perfectly with buttery chicken.

2. Roasted Asparagus
   Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus adds freshness and crunch while balancing the richness of the dish.

3. Cauliflower Rice
   A low-carb option that absorbs flavors well; sautéed cauliflower rice makes an excellent base for garlic butter sauce.

4. Creamed Spinach
   The creamy texture of spinach provides a lovely contrast to the juicy chicken, making it a classic choice.

5. Couscous Salad
   Fluffy couscous tossed with diced vegetables and herbs offers a light and refreshing addition to your plate.

6. Baked Sweet Potatoes
   Sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with savory garlic butter chicken, adding depth to your meal.

7. Coleslaw
   A crunchy coleslaw brings brightness and acidity, cutting through richness while providing texture and flavor.

8. Corn on the Cob
   Grilled or boiled corn cobs are fun to eat and add sweetness; they’re great drizzled with lime or butter beside your chicken!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken is simple, but some common errors can affect the final dish. Here are mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring chicken thickness: Not pounding the chicken to an even thickness can lead to uneven cooking. Always flatten your chicken breasts for consistent results.

• Overcrowding the skillet: Placing too much chicken in the pan can cause steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if needed to achieve that perfect golden crust.

• Not letting the chicken rest: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking causes juices to escape, resulting in dry meat. Let your chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

• Skipping the deglazing step: Failing to deglaze the skillet can waste flavorful browned bits left from searing. Always add your liquid carefully to capture those delicious flavors.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient varies in taste; not adjusting salt and pepper accordingly can make your dish bland. Taste as you go and season to your preference.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the chicken to cool before sealing it tightly.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently until heated through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Garlic Butter Chicken:

How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken more flavorful?

You can enhance flavor by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or incorporating spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick.

Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?

Yes, skin-on chicken will add extra richness and flavor. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.

Is this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely! This dish is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for a keto meal plan.

What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Consider serving it with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal that complements the flavors of the chicken.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful and versatile dish that brings comfort and joy to any dinner table. With its rich sauce and tender meat, it’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or spices!