Simple Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Serving Size: 4 servings Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Garlic butter chicken is a popular dish that many people love, and it can be both deliciously simple to make at home or a bit more complex if you want to add layers of flavor. Here’s an easy version using basic ingredients, perfect for those who are looking for something quick yet flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (for the keyword 'garlic butter chicken')
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tomatoes, chopped finely
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lemon slices for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic cloves and sauté until they turn golden brown but not burnt. Be careful here as it only takes a minute or two for the garlic to change color; you want this flavor but not a bitter taste.
4. Transfer the garlic mixture into a bowl and set aside.
5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned chicken breasts/tenders, and cook them without moving them around frequently so as to allow the bottom of the breast to sear properly (this helps in getting a nice golden brown color).
6. Cook for about 6-7 minutes or until the first side is nicely browned. Flip over and repeat on the other side. This should take another 4-5 minutes.
7. Once both sides are cooked, remove them from heat and place in a baking dish that you've prepared earlier; pour the melted garlic butter mixture over top of each piece of chicken making sure to spread it evenly.
8. If desired, add chopped tomatoes on top. If you like your sauce richer, now would be the time to stir in some heavy cream. Bake for another 15 minutes until fully cooked through and golden browned.
9. Let cool slightly before serving with a garnish of fresh cilantro and lemon slices.

This recipe allows for a burst of flavors from garlic, which can be subtly or boldly used depending on your personal preference. Adding the tomatoes gives it that characteristic red color while also providing additional flavor as they cook down into the sauce. The cream adds richness, though you could leave this out if you prefer lighter sauces.

The simplicity of ingredients makes this dish versatile enough to use with various proteins like chicken breast, thighs, or even ground beef for a different twist. If you're looking to up your culinary game without too much effort, garlic butter chicken is an excellent choice.

Once you try making garlic butter chicken at home following these steps, you'll realize just how satisfying the process of cooking can be - from chopping vegetables to watching the final dish come together. It’s a rewarding experience that leaves behind not only a delicious meal but also a sense of accomplishment. Whether you're looking for something special for dinner or want to impress guests with homemade meals, garlic butter chicken fits the bill perfectly.

For those who want to experiment further, consider adding other herbs such as parsley or thyme. You could also prepare it differently, such as grilling the chicken pieces before basting them in garlic butter sauce for an added char flavor. Experimenting with these variations will allow you to find your own preferred method of preparing this iconic dish.

Garlic butter chicken is a versatile and delicious dish that can be prepared quickly yet still offers rich flavors. Its simplicity makes it accessible for beginners while providing opportunities for more experienced cooks to experiment with different ingredients and cooking methods. By following these straightforward instructions, you'll create a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your kitchen skills.