Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken and a rich garlic butter sauce, making it perfect for any occasion. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor, thanks to the addition of apple vinegar. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Prepare this delicious meal in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates an irresistible sauce that elevates the chicken’s taste.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
• Family Favorite: Its deliciousness will have everyone asking for seconds and even thirds!
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and ensures better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Allows for even cooking of the chicken while providing enough space for searing.
• Slotted spatula: Helps in safely lifting the chicken from the skillet without losing any of the juices.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.
• Cutting board and knife: Essential for preparing your ingredients quickly and safely.

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: Sear the Chicken

1. To a large skillet, add the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Place the pounded chicken breasts in the skillet. Season evenly with 21 Salute seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook without moving the chicken for about 5 minutes until golden brown. For thicker breasts, sear for an additional minute or two.

Step 2: Cook Through

1. Flip the chicken over carefully after 5 minutes.
2. Allow it to cook on this side for another 5 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 3: Rest and Deglaze

1. Remove the chicken with a slotted spatula and set aside on a plate to rest.
2. In the same skillet, carefully add apple vinegar or broth to deglaze, allowing it to bubble up while scraping any brown bits from the bottom.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

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

Step 5: Combine

1. Turn off the heat and return the chicken back into the skillet.
2. Flip it around in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.

Step 6: Serve

1. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately with your choice of sides.

Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken—it’s bound to be a hit at your table!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

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

With Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds a healthy crunch and complements the rich garlic butter sauce.
• Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting for a tender side that enhances the dish.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Fluffy Jasmine Rice: The light texture of jasmine rice soaks up the savory garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds protein and a hearty base for your chicken.

In a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Serve sliced garlic butter chicken over fresh mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
• Caesar Salad: Add warm pieces of chicken to a classic Caesar salad for extra flavor and satisfaction.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: This classic pairing allows you to soak up every bit of delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls provide a comforting side that is perfect for mopping up sauce.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve the best results with Garlic Butter Chicken, consider these tips for maximizing flavor and texture.

• Use Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
• Sear Without Disturbing: Let the chicken sear without moving it to develop a beautiful golden crust that locks in flavor.
• Deglaze with Care: Carefully deglaze the skillet after cooking the chicken to incorporate those flavorful browned bits into your sauce.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste your sauce before serving and adjust seasoning as needed for optimal flavor balance.
• Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve your Garlic Butter Chicken right after cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic will complement the dish perfectly.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the chicken.
3. Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and lemon makes a bright side that pairs well.
4. Grilled Zucchini: Grilling zucchini brings out its natural sweetness while adding a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
5. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice provides a light base that absorbs all the garlic butter goodness.
6. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can add texture and freshness, making it an ideal contrast to the rich chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When cooking Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Boldly season your chicken: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to blandness. Make sure to use enough salt and spices for a flavorful result.
• Boldly disturb the chicken while cooking: Moving the chicken too often can prevent it from searing properly. Allow it to cook undisturbed for the best texture.
• Boldly skip resting time: Cutting into the chicken right after cooking can let juices escape, making it dry. Always let it rest before slicing.
• Boldly overlook the deglazing step: Failing to deglaze the pan can result in missing out on delicious flavors stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Use apple vinegar or broth for a rich sauce.
• Boldly ignore butter melting time: Adding garlic before the butter melts can burn it. Wait until the butter is fully melted for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Chicken that might help you as you prepare this delicious dish!

What goes well with Garlic Butter Chicken?

Garlic Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I use other meats for Garlic Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with turkey or even beef. Just adjust cooking times based on meat thickness.

How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken spicier?

To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce into the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat everything when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. With its rich flavors and juicy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or additional spices to make it your own!