Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is a delectable dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and flavorful sauce infused with garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to serve to guests. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups spinach leaves
Directions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Add spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Tips:
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts to ensure they remain tender and juicy.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken over cooked pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that elevates a simple chicken dinner to new heights. With its creamy sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, and the addition of nutritious spinach, this meal is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the flavors of this creamy indulgence served over pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables.
- Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
- Absolutely! While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can certainly use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Keep in mind that bone-in chicken may require a longer cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked. You may also need to adjust the amount of seasoning to accommodate the larger pieces of meat. Additionally, bone-in chicken can add extra flavor to the dish as the bones infuse the sauce with richness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?
- While this dish is best served fresh, you can certainly prepare it ahead of time and reheat it later. To do so, cook the chicken and prepare the sauce as instructed, but hold off on adding the spinach until you’re ready to serve. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy the dish, reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Once heated, add the spinach and cook until wilted. This will help prevent the spinach from becoming too soggy during reheating, ensuring that your dish tastes fresh and flavorful.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free by making a few simple substitutions. Instead of using heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, you can opt for dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream or almond milk for the creamy base. You can also use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to add a cheesy flavor to the sauce. Additionally, you can use dairy-free margarine or olive oil in place of butter. Keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the dish, but they will still result in a delicious and satisfying meal. Feel free to experiment with different dairy-free ingredients to find the combination that suits your taste preferences.
- What can I serve with creamy garlic butter chicken?
- This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, allowing you to customize your meal to suit your preferences. Some popular options include:
- Pasta: Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken over cooked pasta such as fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Rice: Pair the chicken with steamed white or brown rice for a simple and nutritious option.
- Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy and colorful plate.
- Bread: Enjoy the dish with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Salad: Serve the chicken with a side salad tossed with your favorite dressing for a light and refreshing accompaniment.
Feel free to mix and match these side dishes to create a balanced and satisfying meal that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
Description:
Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with hints of herbs and lemon, making it a versatile meal that pairs well with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Coat Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each breast in flour, shaking off excess.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Simmer and Return Chicken: Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, then return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side of pasta.