A delicious Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken dish makes for an ideal meal, whether you’re busy after work or hosting a casual dinner party. This recipe is not only quick and budget-friendly but also packed with flavor. Perfect for families, it’s easy to customize with your favorite sides and suitable for various diets, including Whole30, keto, and paleo.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can have a hearty meal on the table in no time.
- Flavorsome Delight: The combination of garlic and vegan butter creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Pair it with rice, caulirice, or seasonal veggies to suit your preferences.
- Healthy Option: This dish is gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will enjoy the savory flavors, making it an excellent option for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools at hand is essential. Here are the must-have tools for this recipe:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large bowl or reusable zip-top bag
- Large sauté pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large bowl or reusable zip-top bag: Useful for marinating chicken evenly with spices.
- Large sauté pan: Ensures chicken cooks thoroughly while achieving that perfect golden brown color.
Ingredients
A FAST and easy budget-friendly 20-minute dinner with basic ingredients but full of flavor!
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1 pieces)
- 5 tablespoons vegan butter (divided, see notes if on Whole30)
- 1/4 cup arrowroot, potato, or cassava flour or starch (see notes for Keto)
- 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute (see notes for alternative)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Add cubed chicken to a large bowl or reusable zip-top bag. Add all of the seasonings and flour or starch (if using) to the bowl or bag and stir or toss until well coated.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Add 3 tablespoons ghee to a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer.
Step 3: Cook Until Browned
Cook chicken until there are brown crispy bits on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Finish Cooking
Once chicken is mostly browned, add the remaining 2 tablespoons ghee and 2 tablespoons minced garlic. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes or until garlic is lightly browned and fragrant, and chicken is cooked through (no pink inside).
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Do a happy dance that dinner is done ALREADY! If you are in a hurry, pair this with steam-in-a-bag rice or caulirice along with green beans that you can steam in your microwave while the chicken is cooking. BOOM, dinner is done!
Step 6: Store Leftovers
FREEZE leftover chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
How to Serve Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken
Serving Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken can be both fun and creative. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its rich flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Chives: Add chopped chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the garlic.
Over Cauliflower Rice
- Cauliflower Rice: Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that absorbs all the delicious garlic butter sauce.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Green Beans: Lightly steam green beans for a crunchy, nutritious side.
- Broccoli: Pair with steamed broccoli to add fiber and vitamins to your meal.
On a Salad
- Mixed Greens: Serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing salad option.
- Spinach Salad: Use fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch.
How to Perfect Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken
Perfecting Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken is simple with these helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your chicken comes out juicy and full of flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor in your dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This allows it to brown evenly without steaming.
- Check Doneness: Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that there’s no pink inside.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak spices according to your taste preferences; more garlic salt or pepper can enhance flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain juices when you cut into it.
Best Side Dishes for Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken
Choosing the right side dishes can make your Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken meal complete and satisfying. Here are some fantastic options that pair perfectly.
- Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sauté zucchini noodles as a low-carb alternative to pasta; they absorb flavors well.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roast Brussels sprouts with olive oil and seasoning until crispy for a delicious side.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness that balances savory flavors.
- Asparagus Spears: Grill or roast asparagus spears until tender; their earthy notes complement the chicken beautifully.
- Riced Broccoli: Prepare riced broccoli quickly in the microwave; it’s nutritious and easy to make.
- Sautéed Spinach: Sauté spinach with garlic in olive oil for a quick, nutrient-packed side dish that pairs nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to coat the chicken well with seasonings can lead to bland flavors. Make sure every piece is evenly coated before cooking.
- Overcrowding the pan: Adding too much chicken at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Neglecting to check doneness: Not ensuring that the chicken is fully cooked can lead to food safety issues. Always cut into a piece to check for no pink inside before serving.
- Using high heat throughout: Cooking on too high heat can burn the garlic and chicken outside while leaving it raw inside. Adjust heat as needed for even cooking.
- Not letting leftovers cool before storage: Placing hot chicken directly in storage containers can create steam, leading to soggy leftovers. Allow it to cool first for optimal storage.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags for freezing.
- The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe container and cover. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated thoroughly, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth. Add chicken and stir until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular butter in Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken?
You can use regular butter instead of vegan butter if you are not strictly following Whole30 guidelines.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
To keep this recipe dairy-free, stick with vegan butter or ghee as alternatives that fit into your dietary needs.
What sides pair well with Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken?
This dish goes well with steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad for a great meal balance.
Can I customize the flavors?
Absolutely! You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even switch up the garlic with additional spices to suit your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences while keeping it healthy. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Whole30 Garlic Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this savory chicken coated in rich garlic butter, making it a family favorite that’s also versatile enough to cater to various dietary needs, including Whole30, paleo, and keto. Pair it with your choice of sides like cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a nutritious meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1" pieces)
- 5 tablespoons vegan butter (divided)
- 1/4 cup arrowroot or cassava flour
- 1 tablespoon Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine cubed chicken with seasonings and flour until evenly coated.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of ghee in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer.
- Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and crispy.
- Add the remaining ghee and minced garlic; sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant and chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Feel free to use regular butter if you're not strictly adhering to Whole30 guidelines. Customize flavors by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. Check doneness by ensuring there are no pink parts inside the chicken.