Garlic butter chicken, a dish beloved for its tender, juicy chicken coated in a savory butter sauce, stands out in the world of hearty dinners. This delightful meal, which combines the richness of unsalted butter with the aromatic sharpness of garlic, offers a gluten-free and low-carb option that caters to a variety of dietary preferences. Not only does the garlic butter sauce bring a light, buttery, and herby essence to the dish, but its harmonious blend with olive oil and chicken broth elevates the chicken to a level of succulence that’s hard to resist.
In just about 20 minutes, you can prepare and cook this scrumptious meal that serves two, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet delicious dinner. The recipe's adaptability is showcased through its use of ingredients like garlic butter chicken thighs, which ensure a flavorsome experience with every bite. Alongside providing comprehensive storage instructions for leftovers, this garlic butter chicken recipe also stands as a testament to the culinary versatility that allows for endless enjoyment, be it freshly made or reheated.
Ingredients Needed
To prepare the delightful Garlic Butter Chicken, gather the following essential ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: 2x 9oz/250g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ideally of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Flour: ¼ cup / 40g of plain or all-purpose flour for dredging the chicken.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Butter: 6 tbsp / 90g / 3.2oz of unsalted butter to achieve a rich, creamy texture.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for a robust garlic flavor.
- Chicken Stock: ½ cup / 120ml, preferably low-sodium to control the saltiness.
- Parsley: 1 tbsp finely diced fresh parsley for garnish and added flavor.
- Seasonings: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper to enhance taste.
Additional Ingredients:
- Lemon: 1 lemon for adding a fresh, zesty finish to the dish.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp for cooking, providing a mild, fruity undertone.
- Optional Ingredients: White wine can substitute chicken stock for a deeper flavor profile.
This selection of ingredients ensures your Garlic Butter Chicken will be succulent, flavorful, and a sure delight at any dinner table.
Preparing the Chicken
To ensure your garlic butter chicken is perfectly cooked and flavorful, follow these detailed steps for preparing the chicken:
Step 1: Bringing Chicken to Room Temperature
- Start by taking the chicken breasts out of the refrigerator at least 20 minutes before cooking. This step is crucial as it brings the chicken close to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
Step 2: Tenderizing and Seasoning
- Tenderizing: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness. This not only helps in even cooking but also tenderizes the meat.
- Seasoning: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried herbs for added flavor.
Step 3: Dredging
- Mix flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This coating aids in forming a delicious crust and helps the garlic butter sauce cling to the chicken during cooking.
Step 4: Searing
- Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked. The direct heat will sear the exterior, locking in the juices and enhancing the chicken’s flavor.
By following these steps, your chicken will be well-prepared for the next stage of cooking, where it will be combined with the rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Cooking the Chicken
Step 1: Searing the Chicken
- Heat the Pan: Place a large frying pan on medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan. Sear them for approximately 5 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden color and are just cooked through. Ensure that the heat is not too high to prevent burning.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce Base
- Remove Chicken and Set Aside: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and cover it to keep warm.
- Fry the Garlic: Using the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Fry the minced garlic, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning, until fragrant. This utilizes the flavorful fond (browned bits) left from frying the chicken.
Step 3: Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer and reduce slightly before whisking in the unsalted butter.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the prepared parsley, and if using, a splash of cream or white wine for extra richness. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Place the chicken back into the pan, spooning the sauce over it to coat thoroughly on all sides.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Simmer: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and garnish with additional parsley if desired. This adds a fresh, zesty finish to the rich garlic butter sauce.
Making the Garlic Sauce
Ingredients and Preparation
To create the rich garlic butter sauce:
- Garlic: Start by peeling and finely slicing the garlic.
- Butter: Melt a generous amount of unsalted butter in the skillet used to cook the chicken.
- Flour: Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and stir to combine.
Cooking Process
Follow these steps to ensure a flavorful sauce:
- Sautéing Garlic: Add the sliced garlic to the butter and flour mixture, sautéing until it becomes fragrant.
- Deglazing: Pour in your choice of white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken.
- Thickening the Sauce: Slowly whisk in more chicken broth along with half and half. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens.
- Enhancing Flavor: Stir in freshly chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra garlic punch, blend additional garlic with salt, slowly adding olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice into the mixture.
Customization Options
- Flavor Adjustments: Consider adding more garlic, parmesan cheese, or a bit of margarine to enrich the sauce’s flavor.
- Serving Size Modifications: If cooking for fewer people, the recipe can be adjusted by using smaller amounts of the liquids or substituting half and half for cream.
This method ensures a deliciously creamy and aromatic garlic butter sauce, perfect for enhancing the tender, seared chicken breasts.
Combining Chicken with Sauce
Step 1: Resting the Chicken
- Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove it from the skillet. Place the chicken on a clean plate and loosely cover it with foil. Allow it to rest while you prepare the sauce. This step helps the chicken retain its juices, ensuring it remains succulent.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
- Utilize the same skillet used for cooking the chicken to make the garlic butter sauce. The residue left from the chicken adds depth to the sauce’s flavor.
Step 3: Combining Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce
- After preparing the garlic butter sauce, return the rested chicken to the skillet. If you are using chicken bites, ensure they are evenly coated by gently stirring them into the sauce. For whole chicken breasts, spoon the sauce over them to cover completely.
Step 4: Simmering for Flavor Enhancement
- Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the garlic butter sauce for a few minutes. This process helps the chicken absorb the rich flavors of the sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments for Garlic Butter Chicken
Garlic Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its rich flavor. Here are some top suggestions for serving this delicious dish:
Starchy Sides:
- Mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or mashed sweet potatoes provide a creamy texture that balances the savory sauce.
- Rice, cauliflower rice, orzo, and various types of pasta like spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles offer lighter alternatives that absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Vegetable Sides:
- Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a crunchy, nutritious element.
- Simple salads like a spring mix or an avocado Caprese salad offer a fresh contrast to the rich chicken.
Bread and Potatoes:
- Crusty bread, garlic bread, or potato wedges make excellent additions for those who enjoy dipping into the garlic butter sauce.
- Brabant Potatoes (Crispy Garlic Butter Potatoes) and Lemon Roasted Potatoes are flavorful options that enhance the meal’s overall taste.
Unique Pairings:
- Garlic Butter Pasta with fresh spinach and bow tie pasta tossed in a garlic-butter sauce.
- For a low-carb alternative, Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders or a side of Garlic Butter Chicken and Brussels Sprouts can be served.
Each of these sides can be tailored to suit various dietary preferences, ensuring that the Garlic Butter Chicken can be enjoyed in multiple ways, whether it's a hearty weekday dinner or a special occasion meal.
FAQs
1. What is the world's most beloved chicken dish?
Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, has recently been recognized as the world's most popular chicken dish according to the "Top 100 Chicken Dishes in the World" list by TasteAtlas, an online guide for traditional food, marking it as a global culinary favorite.
2. What are the origins of garlic butter chicken?
Garlic butter chicken, commonly known as butter chicken or murgh makhani, is a celebrated Indian dish. It was devised by Kundan Lal Gujral, a chef at the Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, back in 1947.
3. What are the best sides to serve with butter chicken?
The ideal accompaniments for butter chicken include:
- Pulao or Basmati Rice: Pulao is a fragrant rice dish akin to pilaf.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli or cauliflower pairs well with the rich flavors of butter chicken.
- Naan Bread: This traditional Indian flatbread is commonly served with curries.
- Saag, Aloo Gobi, Samosa, Kachumber Salad, and Daal: These are other excellent side dishes that complement the creamy curry.
4. Is it possible to cook chicken using butter instead of oil?
Yes, you can cook chicken with butter instead of oil. However, it is important to use a lower cooking temperature when baking or pan-frying chicken in butter due to its lower smoke point. Cooking chicken more slowly in butter can result in juicier and more flavorful meat.