Garlic Butter Chicken – tastykitchenjoy

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken and the rich flavors of garlic and butter. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The addition of apple vinegar elevates the taste, making it a standout favorite for you and your family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 15 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Packed: The garlic butter sauce, combined with a hint of apple vinegar, creates an irresistible flavor profile.
Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that suits any palate.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish, making it a great choice for family gatherings.
Easy Cleanup: With just one skillet needed, you’ll spend less time cleaning up after dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Butter Chicken, having the right tools on hand is essential for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large Skillet
Slotted Spatula
Measuring Spoons
Cutting Board

Importance of Each Tool

Large Skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking and easy flipping of the chicken.
Slotted Spatula: Perfect for removing the chicken without losing any juice or sauce.
Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor every time.
Cutting Board: A sturdy surface makes prepping ingredients simple and safe.

Ingredients

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe features simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.

Main 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)

Liquid Ingredients

1/2 cup white grape juice or chicken broth (or as necessary)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more if you want extra sauce)

Flavor Enhancers

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

To start, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pounded chicken breasts and evenly season them with the 21 Salute seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook without moving the chicken for about 5 minutes until golden brown. If using thicker breasts, sear them for an additional 1–2 minutes.

Step 2: Flip and Cook Through

After flipping the chicken, allow it to cook on the other side for approximately 5 minutes until fully cooked through. Avoid disturbing it during this time to achieve a nice sear.

Step 3: Resting Time

Once cooked, use a slotted spatula to remove the chicken from the skillet. Transfer it onto a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet

Carefully add apple vinegar (or broth) into the hot skillet. Let it bubble up while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this adds incredible flavor!

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Add unsalted butter to the deglazed skillet. Allow it to melt completely while stirring continuously for about one minute.

Step 6: Add Garlic

Mix in finely minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—this should take about one minute of continuous stirring.

Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Turn off the heat. Return the chicken back into the skillet, flipping it in the garlic butter sauce so each piece gets coated. Spoon extra sauce over each breast.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your garlic butter chicken before serving warm. Enjoy!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal and impress your family or guests.

With Fresh Salad

A light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

Over Rice

Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains for added flavor.

With Roasted Vegetables

Pair it with seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vibrant and healthy plate.

On Pasta

Toss cooked pasta in the garlic butter sauce before adding the chicken for a hearty one-pan meal.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Perfecting Garlic Butter Chicken is all about technique and timing. Follow these tips to ensure your chicken turns out tender and flavorful every time.

Pound the Chicken: Evenly pound chicken breasts for uniform cooking. This helps achieve that perfect sear.
Don’t Disturb While Cooking: Allow the chicken to sear without moving it until it’s time to flip. This creates a beautiful golden crust.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried options.
Deglaze Properly: Scrape up any brown bits from the skillet when deglazing; they add depth to your sauce.
Rest After Cooking: Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain its juices, ensuring each bite is moist and tender.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

To create a complete meal around your Garlic Butter Chicken, consider these delicious side dishes that will complement its flavors beautifully.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds color and crunch, balancing the richness of the chicken.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing brings a nutty flavor and healthy grains.
Creamy Spinach: Sautéed spinach with cream provides a rich, velvety texture that contrasts nicely with the chicken.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter is a classic summer side that adds sweetness to your plate.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice sautéed with garlic and herbs; it absorbs flavors well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can spoil the dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too many pieces of chicken at once can lower the temperature of the skillet, leading to uneven cooking. Instead, cook in batches if needed.
Not Pounding the Chicken: Skipping the step of pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness can result in uneven cooking. Always ensure your chicken is evenly thick for consistent doneness.
Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning your chicken can lead to bland flavors. Use enough seasoning, such as 21 Salute or poultry seasoning, to enhance the taste.
Moving the Chicken Too Soon: Constantly moving or flipping the chicken while it sears can prevent that golden crust from forming. Allow it to sear undisturbed for best results.
Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold butter or garlic directly into a hot pan can cause them to burn. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure all air is removed from bags.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or broth until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers common inquiries about Garlic Butter Chicken to help you perfect your dish.

What is Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful recipe featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken more flavorful?

You can enhance flavor by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or using different seasonings. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten up the dish!

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! This recipe works well with turkey, beef, or lamb if you want to switch things up while keeping that delicious garlic butter flavor.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken healthy?

Garlic Butter Chicken contains protein and healthy fats. You can make it healthier by using less butter or substituting with olive oil.

How do I store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for later use.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various seasonings and sides according to your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate; give this delicious recipe a try and enjoy its rich flavors!