Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Juicy Perfection

Tender chicken meets mouthwatering garlic butter in this irresistible culinary creation that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Every bite delivers a burst of rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate with elegant simplicity.

The magic happens when juicy chicken gets coated in a luxurious garlic butter sauce that melts seamlessly into each tender piece.

Home cooks adore this recipe for its incredible ease and impressive results that seem like they came straight from a restaurant kitchen.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum satisfaction, ensuring a meal that looks gourmet but requires zero professional cooking skills.

With just a few simple steps, you can transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this quick, delectable dish that brings restaurant-quality comfort right to your dinner table.

Garlic Butter Chicken Flavors

• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this chicken dish a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.
• Garlic butter chicken delivers rich, creamy textures with a punch of savory goodness that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Adaptable recipe allows swapping proteins, adding vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and family tastes.
• Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using the same pan for multiple cooking stages, reducing dishwashing time and making post-meal relaxation more enjoyable.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the hearty base of this delicious dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that provides a satisfying and flavorful main component of the recipe.

• Butter, Garlic: A classic flavor combination that creates a rich and aromatic base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and additional savory flavor to the cream sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and salty flavor that helps thicken and enhance the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and ensuring it doesn't stick to the pan.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright green herb that adds a fresh garnish and subtle herbal note to the dish.

Kitchen Tools for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly with plenty of water.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken and creating garlic butter sauce.
• Saucepan: Ideal for preparing smooth cream sauce.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for chopping garlic and parsley.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending cream sauce and preventing lumps.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt for extra flavor.

Drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture.

Once done, carefully drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its delicious transformation.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat a generous splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season your chicken pieces with your favorite herbs and spices.

Carefully place the chicken in the hot pan, letting it sizzle and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping once to ensure even cooking.

Once perfectly cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Magic

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt butter until it becomes wonderfully golden.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around the pan, releasing its aromatic magic.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible fragrance.

Gently return the cooked chicken to the pan, coating each piece in the luxurious garlic butter sauce.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

In a separate pan, start by melting butter and sautéing garlic until it’s wonderfully fragrant.

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Let the mixture simmer and come together.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Lovingly toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is beautifully coated.

Arrange the garlic butter chicken on top of the pasta.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Cooking Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Add enough salt to boiling water to make it taste like seawater for deeply flavored pasta that seasons from within.
• Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to ensure crispy golden exterior and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Sauté garlic briefly to avoid burning, which creates bitter taste; watch for golden color and fragrant aroma.
• Whisk Parmesan slowly to prevent clumping and create smooth, silky texture without grainy consistency.
• Prepare all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.

Variations for Garlic Butter Chicken

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a gluten-free, low-carb alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a creamy, lactose-free version suitable for dairy-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap parsley for fresh basil, and incorporate sun-dried tomatoes to give the chicken a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with pan-seared tofu or roasted chickpeas, maintaining the garlic butter sauce while creating a plant-based protein option.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken

• Pasta Party Platter: Serve the dish on a large shared platter, letting everyone dig into this delicious chicken and pasta combo family-style.
• Italian Restaurant Vibes: Plate the creamy chicken over pasta in individual wide bowls, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and add a fresh parsley garnish for restaurant-quality presentation.
• Wine and Dine: Pair this rich garlic butter chicken with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce and enhance the meal's flavors.
• Side Salad Sensation: Add a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken and create a complete, refreshing meal.

Storing Garlic Butter Chicken

• Store leftovers in airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, separating pasta and chicken to maintain texture.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm pasta and chicken separately in skillet with splash of cream or broth. Stir gently over medium-low heat to prevent drying. Add extra Parmesan if sauce seems thick.
• Place portions in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add small amount of liquid to refresh sauce consistency.

FAQs

• What herbs work best with this chicken dish?

Parsley is the classic garnish, but basil, thyme, or oregano also complement the garlic butter flavor perfectly and add fresh, aromatic notes.

• How do I know if my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part and ensure no pink remains and juices run clear.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work great. Choose pasta shapes that can hold the creamy sauce well and provide good texture.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Use less butter and choose skinless chicken breasts to reduce overall calories while maintaining delicious flavor.

Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken delivers a mouthwatering blend of rich flavors from Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. Juicy chicken thighs bathed in herbed butter create a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breasts, boneless skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth

Dairy and Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter for sauce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (4 cloves for main dish, 2 cloves for sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine pasta

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces and sear for 6-7 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
4. Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece in the fragrant garlic butter, ensuring even coverage.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté additional garlic until translucent. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
7. Fold the prepared pasta into the cream sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated with the rich, velvety mixture.
8. Plate the sauced pasta, arrange the garlic butter chicken on top, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is evenly seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs for maximum flavor infusion.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that seals in moisture.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother, faster melting when creating the garlic butter sauce.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Adjust cream sauce consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
• Gluten-free option: Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Low-carb variation: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables for a lighter meal.
• Fresh garlic cloves provide more intense flavor than pre-minced garlic from a jar.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 756
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 636 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 178 mg