If you’re in search of a quick and delicious dinner that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken. This dish features tender chicken bites bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of juicy chicken and aromatic garlic creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Pair it with vibrant lemon asparagus for a complete meal that’s not only satisfying but also healthy and keto-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce elevates the chicken, providing a rich and savory taste.
- Versatile: Perfect on its own or served with vegetables like asparagus or over cauliflower rice.
- Healthy and Keto-Friendly: Low in carbs and high in protein, this dish fits seamlessly into various dietary lifestyles.
Ingredients List
To make your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
For the Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Lemon Asparagus:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Asparagus: On a baking sheet, toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Spread it out in a single layer.
Step 2: Roast the Asparagus
- Roast: Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until tender and slightly crisp.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Sauté Chicken: While the asparagus is roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and thyme to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Finish with Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and mix well to combine. Remove from heat.
- Plate: Serve the garlic butter chicken bites alongside the roasted lemon asparagus. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
- Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store leftover garlic butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and will add extra flavor and juiciness.
What can I serve with garlic butter chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This garlic butter chicken is perfect for meal prep and can be easily portioned for lunches throughout the week.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as ghee or coconut oil.
Conclusion
Indulge in the rich flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken! This simple yet delectable dish is perfect for any night of the week and will surely become a family favorite. With its quick preparation and mouthwatering taste, you’ll love how easy it is to create a satisfying meal.
We’d love to hear how your garlic butter chicken turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you tried any variations. For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, visit https://eldralys.com/ and keep exploring the joys of cooking! Enjoy every flavorful bite!
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Garlic Butter Chicken: A Flavorful Delight in Every Bite
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken is a fast, flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken bites in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with roasted lemon asparagus. It's keto-friendly, low-carb, and ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- For the Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Lemon Asparagus:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Asparagus: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss trimmed asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon zest on a baking sheet. Spread in a single layer.
- Roast the Asparagus: Roast for 10–12 minutes until tender and slightly crisp.
- Cook the Chicken: While asparagus roasts, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter, minced garlic, and thyme. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until garlic is fragrant.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in lemon juice. Serve chicken with roasted asparagus and garnish with parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or switch proteins like shrimp or tofu. Great for meal prep and can be frozen for future meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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