Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that promises tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce with just the right amount of tang from apple vinegar. This easy stovetop recipe takes only 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Whether you’re serving it over rice, alongside vegetables, or simply on its own, this recipe is sure to impress and become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for those hectic days.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and apple vinegar creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken’s flavor.
• Versatile Meal: Serve this dish with rice, pasta, or salad for a complete meal that fits any occasion.
• Family Favorite: With its rich taste and appealing presentation, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust seasonings or add your favorite herbs to make it uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slotted spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A wide cooking surface ensures even searing of the chicken for a perfectly golden crust.
• Slotted spatula: This tool allows you to lift the chicken without losing the delicious juices and sauce.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in your garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness; about 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 (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 into the skillet and season evenly with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes without disturbing it.

Step 2: Flip and Cook Through

1. After 5 minutes, flip the chicken over; it should have a nice golden color.
2. Cook on this side for about another 5 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken using a slotted spatula and place it on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet

1. Carefully add white apple vinegar (or broth) to the hot skillet.
2. Allow it to bubble up for a few seconds to deglaze.

Step 5: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Add unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt while stirring continuously for about one minute.
2. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute more.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Turn off the heat and return the chicken back into the skillet.
2. Flip it around in the garlic butter sauce and spoon some over each piece.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Greens

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes adds freshness and balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
• Roasted Asparagus: Simply seasoned and roasted, asparagus complements the flavors of the chicken while adding a nice crunch.

Over Rice or Pasta

• Steamed White Rice: The fluffy texture of rice absorbs the delicious garlic butter sauce, making each bite flavorful.
• Garlic Butter Noodles: Toss cooked noodles in garlic butter for an extra hit of flavor; they pair seamlessly with the chicken.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: Use sourdough to soak up the garlic butter sauce, providing a satisfying contrast to the chicken.
• Garlic Bread: Enhance the garlic flavor by serving your chicken with warm, toasted garlic bread.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

Achieving the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken comes down to technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure it’s flavorful and juicy every time.

• Use Even Thickness: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.
• Don’t Rush Searing: Allowing the chicken to sear without moving it creates a golden crust, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Deglaze Properly: Use apple vinegar or broth to deglaze the skillet after cooking; this adds depth to your sauce.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; don’t hesitate to add more salt or pepper according to your preference.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing your Garlic Butter Chicken with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some top choices:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and pair wonderfully with buttery chicken.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious, quinoa mixed with veggies makes for a healthy side that balances the richness of the chicken.
4. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that’s light yet filling; it soaks up flavors beautifully from sauces.
5. Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw can cut through the richness of the dish, offering crunch and acidity.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements savory dishes perfectly; grill or boil for an easy side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Not pounding the chicken – Failing to pound the chicken to an even thickness can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure all pieces are uniform for best results.
• Overcrowding the skillet – If you place too many chicken pieces in the skillet, they will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary for a perfect golden crust.
• Ignoring resting time – Skipping the resting period after cooking can cause juices to escape when cutting. Letting it rest ensures juicy, tender chicken.
• Using too much heat – Cooking on high heat might burn the garlic and butter. Keep it medium-high for controlled cooking without burning.
• Not adjusting seasoning – Every palate is different. Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed throughout the cooking process.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the chicken is cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish covered with foil; heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Use microwave-safe dish; cover loosely and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist while warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Chicken that can help you get the most out of this recipe.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken?

You can pair Garlic Butter Chicken with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! This garlic butter sauce works wonderfully with shrimp or pork chops as well.

How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken spicier?

To add spice, mix in red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce when preparing the garlic butter sauce.

Is this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely! This recipe is low in carbs and high in flavor, making it perfect for keto diets.

Can I prepare Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken with seasonings beforehand, but it’s best cooked fresh for optimal taste.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly flavorful. This versatile dish allows for various customization options like adding vegetables or switching up your protein. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to be a family favorite!