Simple Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Savor the delicious taste of garlic butter chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe that promises a delightful meal for your family and friends.

This popular dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a casual gathering. Garlic butter chicken offers a balance of flavors, with its savory sauce and tender chunks of chicken. If you're looking to prepare something quick yet impressive, this is the recipe for you! It's a versatile meal that can be served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and flavor)
• Cornstarch for thickening

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, soy sauce, lime juice (if using), salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat some oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Ensure that your chicken is fully cooked, which typically takes around 7 minutes per pound of meat.
3. Combine and Simmer: Once the chicken is done cooking, transfer it to a plate. Pour the garlic butter sauce into the same pan and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly due to the cornstarch.
4. Serve: Mix the cooked chicken back into the sauce, allowing the pieces of meat to be fully coated in the savory garlic butter mixture. Garnish with paprika before serving!

This dish is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of soy sauce and lime juice.

Garlic butter chicken pairs wonderfully well with various sides like steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or even a simple salad. It's also delightful when served with naan bread or garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce. The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator and enjoyed cold as a quick lunch the next day.

If you're looking to make this dish more nutritious, consider substituting some of the butter with olive oil or using turkey breast instead of chicken breasts. Alternatively, if you want something heartier, add some vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms before cooking the chicken.

Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes

Servings: This recipe yields about 4-6 servings depending on portion size. If you're having a small gathering with just two people, this will be a generous amount; however, if it's for a larger family or group of friends, consider doubling the ingredients.

Health Benefits

Garlic is rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds that can support cardiovascular health. The chicken provides essential proteins necessary for muscle repair and growth. Incorporating this dish into your diet not only satisfies your taste buds but also contributes to overall good health.

For those watching their calorie intake, reducing butter usage or replacing it with a lighter oil could help minimize fat content while still achieving the desired flavor profile. Adding more vegetables can boost fiber intake which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken

• Ensure your chicken is completely thawed before cooking to prevent undercooked centers.
• For extra crispiness, you could sear the chicken briefly in hot oil until golden brown before adding it into the sauce.
• The longer you let the garlic butter sauce simmer after combining with the chicken, the creamier and more flavorful the final result will be. However, take care not to overcook as this can cause the sauce to become too thick or even burn.

Garlic butter chicken is a favorite among many thanks to its simplicity, delicious flavor, and versatility. Whether you're hosting dinner parties or simply looking for an easy weekday meal, this recipe checks all boxes. Try it out today and enjoy the delightful taste of garlic and butter mingling with succulent pieces of chicken.