I know how busy life can get, and finding quick, delicious meals is always a win. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic `garlic butter chicken` recipes that are perfect for any `easy weeknight dinner`.
These dishes are simple to make, packed with great flavor, and use ingredients you likely already have. You’re going to love how little effort goes into making something truly satisfying. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
- 2. Simple Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Meal
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
This one-pan wonder brings juicy chicken and tender asparagus together in a rich garlic butter sauce.
It’s a complete meal that feels special but comes together in no time, making your dinner routine much easier.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chicken Bites
- Chicken Thighs: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the chicken extra juicy and prevents it from drying out, even when cut into bites. This helps ensure a tender texture.
- Fresh Asparagus: Make sure to snap off the woody ends of the asparagus for the best texture. It adds a fresh, slightly crisp element to the dish that balances the richness of the butter.
What You Need for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Step 1: Prep Chicken and Asparagus
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season them evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Prepare the asparagus by trimming the woody ends and then cutting them into 1-inch pieces, similar in size to the chicken.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté Asparagus and Finish
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it. Add the asparagus pieces and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until they are tender-crisp. Return the chicken to the skillet, stir everything together gently for another minute to combine the flavors and heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
📝 Final Note
This dish is best served immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Simple Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Meal
This is my go-to recipe for classic garlic butter chicken. It’s incredibly simple, uses minimal ingredients, and always turns out juicy and delicious.
You can pair it with anything from rice to pasta or a simple salad, making it super versatile.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Simple Garlic Butter Chicken
- Quality Butter: Using good quality unsalted butter really makes a difference here, as butter is a main flavor component. It creates a rich and creamy sauce base that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if your pan isn’t big enough. This helps the chicken get a nice, golden-brown sear instead of steaming, which gives it better flavor and texture.
What You Need for Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons heavy cream for a richer sauce
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Simple Garlic Butter Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear Chicken
Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens. If using, stir in the heavy cream now for an even richer sauce.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over it to coat each piece. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
📝 Final Note
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. This recipe is fantastic with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
