Introduction to Garlic Butter Chicken
Why Garlic Butter Chicken Will Change Your Meal Prep Game
If you're on the hunt for a dish that marries simplicity with flavor, look no further than garlic butter chicken. This tantalizing meal is a game-changer for your weekly meal prep, seamlessly blending tender chicken breasts with a rich, buttery sauce that bursts with garlic goodness.
Picture this: after a long day, you want to whip up something quick yet delicious. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a gourmet-quality dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a hearty boost of protein—about 30 grams per serving!
Plus, the beauty of garlic butter chicken lies in its versatility. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal, or pair it with rice or noodles to soak up that luscious sauce. And don’t forget that squeeze of lemon to cut through the richness—it's a total game-changer!
With its straightforward steps and minimal prep, this dish makes meal planning a breeze, allowing you to enjoy flavorful home-cooked dinners throughout the week without the stress. Say goodbye to bland meal preps and hello to a delightful culinary experience!
For more tips on meal prepping like a pro, check out EatingWell.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken
Creating the perfect garlic butter chicken starts with the right ingredients. You’ll need a good mix of fresh and pantry staples to bring this dish together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 x 9oz/250g Chicken Breasts: Make sure they’re brought close to room temperature for even cooking.
- ¼ cup / 40g Plain / All-Purpose Flour: This will give your chicken a lovely golden crust.
- ½ cup / 120ml Chicken Stock: Choose a quality stock for depth of flavor.
- 6 tablespoon / 90g Unsalted Butter: Divided into tablespoon chunks—this richness is what makes the sauce so luscious.
- 2 cloves of Garlic: Minced finely for that aromatic kick.
- 1 tablespoon Finely Diced Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For frying; it adds flavor and helps with browning.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Extra garlic flavor never hurts!
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Adjust to your taste.
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is best.
- 1 Lemon: Cut into wedges for serving; the acidity balances the richness.
These ingredients combine wonderfully to create a deliciously hearty meal that’s sure to impress.
For more tips on selecting quality chicken, check out this resource on choosing the best poultry. And for stocks, you can read about their benefits here. Happy cooking!
Preparing Garlic Butter Chicken
When you're in the mood for a meal that’s as comforting as it is tasty, look no further than this Garlic Butter Chicken recipe. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this dish will never disappoint. Let’s dive into the preparation steps to get your Garlic Butter Chicken sizzling!
Gathering and prepping your ingredients
Before you start cooking, it's essential to gather and prep all your ingredients, which will streamline the cooking process. You’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts (2x, 9oz/250g): Make sure they’re close to room temperature for even cooking.
- Plain/All Purpose Flour (¼ cup / 40g): This will help create that delicious crust.
- Chicken Stock (½ cup / 120ml): Opt for low-sodium if you have it.
- Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoon / 90g): Divided into tablespoon chunks to incorporate gradually.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced or finely diced for maximum flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp): Adds a lovely herbaceous note.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp), Garlic Powder (1 tsp), Salt (1 tsp), and Black Pepper (½ tsp) for seasoning.
- Lemon (1): Cut into wedges for serving.
Ensure your workspace is tidy; a clean kitchen always makes cooking more enjoyable!
Dredging the chicken for that perfect crust
Now it’s time to prepare the chicken. Start by butterflying your chicken breasts down the center. This not only helps with cooking them evenly but also gives you more surface area for that perfect crust when dredging.
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure to coat each side evenly. Give them a gentle shake to remove excess flour — this will help achieve that gorgeous, crispy finish.
Cooking the chicken to golden perfection
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter along with a tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil shimmers, carefully place your chicken in the pan.
- Cook each piece for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You want them to be juicy on the inside, so try not to overcook.
Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm while you prepare the delectable sauce.
Creating that luscious garlic butter sauce
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until aromatic and slightly golden — your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!
Next, pour in the chicken stock, scraping up all those flavor bits stuck to the pan.
- Add the remaining butter and whisk it in quickly until the sauce turns slightly cloudy. Stir in the parsley and adjust seasoning; taste as you go!
Bringing it all together
Finally, return the chicken to the pan, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together.
To serve, plate the chicken and drizzle with extra sauce. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top adds a zingy contrast to the richness of the garlic butter — delightful!
And there you have it! Your Garlic Butter Chicken is ready to impress. Pair it with a side of fluffy rice or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal, and enjoy the compliments that come your way!
Variations on Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken with a Twist of Herbs
Elevate your garlic butter chicken by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These flavorful additions not only enhance the aroma but also bring depth to the dish. Simply chop the herbs finely and stir them into the sauce along with the parsley. You might be surprised how a few sprigs can transform your meal! For a fresh perspective, consider mixing herbs such as basil or even oregano for a Mediterranean flair. Check out these herb utilization tips for more ideas.
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken for Heat Lovers
If you crave a kick, turn your garlic butter chicken into a spicy sensation! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic before mixing it into the sauce. Alternatively, you could incorporate fresh chili peppers for a vibrant touch. Adjust the heat to your preference, and watch how it transforms your dish into something exciting and bold. Spicy foods can even boost your metabolism, so why not add some heat to your culinary creations? Bring on the flavor and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken
Cooking garlic butter chicken is all about balance and flavor! Here are some helpful tips to elevate your dish:
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Start with room temperature chicken: This ensures even cooking throughout, giving you juicy, tender results.
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Don’t rush the browning: Getting a good golden sear on the chicken is crucial. It enhances flavor, so be patient—around 3-5 minutes per side will do!
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Scrape the pan: When adding chicken stock, use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan. This lifts the delightful brown bits, infusing your sauce with tasty goodness.
For more culinary advice, consider checking out sources like Serious Eats or Bon Appétit for insights on flavor balancing and cooking techniques!
Serving suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken
When it comes to serving your garlic butter chicken, the possibilities are delectable! For a classic meal, consider pairing it with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, both of which soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce wonderfully.
For a lighter option, sautéed green vegetables—like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans—add a vibrant touch and balance the richness of the dish.
Don’t forget a fresh side salad; a zesty lemon vinaigrette can brighten the plate. For a casual twist, serve the chicken in wraps or sandwiches alongside avocado and fresh herbs.
Want to explore more? Check out healthy side dish ideas to complement your meal!
Time breakdown for Garlic Butter Chicken
Preparation time
Getting everything prepped for your Garlic Butter Chicken takes about 10 minutes. This includes cutting the chicken, measuring your ingredients, and mixing the flour and spices.
Cooking time
Once you're all prepped, the cooking portion will take roughly 15-20 minutes. This includes frying the chicken and making that delectable garlic butter sauce.
Total time
In total, you’ll be looking at 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special! For more tips on meal prep, check out this guide on food safety and efficiency in the kitchen.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Facts for Garlic Butter Chicken
When preparing Garlic Butter Chicken, it's essential to understand its nutritional benefits. Here's a quick overview:
Calories
This delectable dish comes in at approximately 337 calories per serving, making it a satisfying choice for a balanced meal without excessive calorie intake.
Protein
Packed with about 30.7 grams of protein per serving, this chicken dish is ideal for those looking to fuel their bodies with quality protein, especially after a workout.
Sodium
Be mindful of sodium — each serving contains around 690 mg. While this adds flavor, you may consider using low-sodium chicken stock for a healthier option.
For more insights on healthy meals, check out resources from the American Heart Association or Choose My Plate. Eating well can transform your energy levels and overall health!
FAQs about Garlic Butter Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken breasts for thighs in this garlic butter chicken recipe. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and richer in flavor, making them a great alternative. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through, depending on their thickness.
How do I store leftovers of garlic butter chicken?
If you have any leftovers (which shouldn't be too much if everyone loves it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to three months. When reheating, consider adding a splash of chicken stock to keep the chicken moist.
What side dishes pair best with garlic butter chicken?
For a delightful meal, pair garlic butter chicken with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Grains like rice or quinoa also complement the richness of the dish beautifully. Your guests will be raving about the combination!
Conclusion on Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic butter chicken is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its rich flavors and juicy chicken, it’s a simple yet impressive meal perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it up with a side of veggies or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience. Enjoy!
For more scrumptious chicken recipes, check out these ideas to keep your dinners exciting!
Garlic Butter Chicken
Equipment
- Large Pan
Ingredients
- 2 9oz Chicken Breasts brought close to room temp
- ¼ cup Plain All Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Chicken Stock
- 6 tablespoon Unsalted Butter divided into tablespoon chunks
- 2 cloves Garlic minced/finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper plus more to taste
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine ¼ cup flour with 1 teaspoon garlic powder & salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Butterfly your chicken breasts right through the centre to make 4 even sized breasts. One by one dredge in the flour (press in the flour to get an even coverage), give them a shake then place to one side.
- Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add in the chicken breasts and fry until golden on each side and white/piping hot through the centre. Approx 3-5mins each side depending on thickness. Place to one side.
- Turn heat down to medium and add garlic. Fry for 1-2mins until it just begins to brown, then pour in stock. Use your wooden spoon to scrape off any flavour stuck to the pan, then add in your remaining 5 tablespoon butter. Swiftly whisk as it melts to bind with the stock, it should turn slightly cloudy. Sprinkle in parsley and season to taste with salt & black pepper.
- Allow to simmer for a few mins until it starts to thicken, then turn down the heat to low and add the chicken back in. Spoon over the sauce then serve up with extra sauce drizzled over and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste.
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