Introduction
Welcome to a savory journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas! Today, we’re diving into the world of comfort food with a delightful recipe for Loaded Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet. This dish is the epitome of cozy culinary bliss—a one-pan wonder that combines juicy, tender chicken with an abundance of garlic, creamy ingredients, and a medley of colorful veggies.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend dinner, this skillet meal is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The star of the show, the garlic butter sauce, brings a rich and savory depth that elevates the chicken and vegetables to new heights. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal clean-up, you’ll discover that making a restaurant-quality dish at home has never been simpler.
So, fire up your stovetop and get ready to serve up a delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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- Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika on both sides.
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- In a sizable skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. After it has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
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- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F and the chicken is nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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- In the same skillet, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes along with the spinach. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes are tender.
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- Lower the heat and reintroduce the chicken to the skillet. Evenly distribute the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken, allowing it to melt as it heats up.
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- After the cheese is melted and bubbling, take the skillet off the heat. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breast – 1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Garlic – 4-6 cloves, minced (adjust to taste)
- Butter – 4 tablespoons, unsalted
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons for sautéing
- Fresh Spinach – 4 cups, roughly chopped
- Cherry Tomatoes – 1 cup, halved (optional for added flavor and color)
- Heavy Cream – 1/2 cup for a creamy sauce
- Parmesan Cheese – 1 cup, grated for a rich, cheesy flavor
- Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon for added depth of flavor
- Salt and Pepper – to taste, for seasoning
Optional garnishes:
– Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
– Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Feel free to adjust quantities based on your taste preferences or dietary needs!
Baking Process
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and achieves a beautiful golden-brown finish.
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Prepare the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, and any preferred seasoning. For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of garlic, butter, and herbs for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.
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Sear the Chicken: In a large, oven-safe skillet, melt 2-3 tablespoons of garlic butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds a robust flavor.
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Add Garlic and Aromatics: After the chicken is nicely seared, lower the heat and add minced garlic, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
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Add Vegetables and Cheese: Once the garlic is fragrant, toss in your choice of loaded toppings, such as sautéed spinach, sundried tomatoes, or mushrooms. Stir to combine. Then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) over the top of the chicken and vegetables.
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Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The cheese should be bubbly and slightly golden.
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Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, allow the skillet to rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra garlic butter, sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs (such as parsley or basil), and add a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat if desired.
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Serving: Serve the loaded garlic butter chicken directly from the skillet, accompanied by your favorite sides like rice, pasta, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting aroma of this delicious Loaded Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet!
Serving Suggestions
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With a Side of Vegetables: Pair your Loaded Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with a medley of sautéed or steamed vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or asparagus. The freshness of the veggies complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
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Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. This will soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce and provide a hearty base for the meal.
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With Crusty Bread: Don’t forget to have some crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side. It’s perfect for mopping up all that wonderful garlic butter sauce!
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On a Salad: For a lighter option, you can slice the garlic butter chicken over a fresh greens salad. Add your favorite toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado and drizzle with a vinaigrette for a refreshing twist.
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Pasta Lover’s Delight: Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked pasta for a comforting dish. Choose a pasta like fettuccine or penne, and add some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
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With Mashed Potatoes: For a cozy, hearty meal, serve your garlic butter chicken over creamy mashed potatoes. The velvety potatoes combined with the chicken and sauce create a delicious, satisfying dish.
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Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for an extra pop of color and flavor before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the dish beautifully.
Enjoy your Loaded Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet with these delicious serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience!
Conclusion
This Loaded Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is a delightful one-pan meal that promises to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort. The succulent chicken, bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, pairs beautifully with tender veggies for a well-rounded dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness. Plus, it’s an easy cleanup since everything is cooked in one skillet!
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or garnishes — perhaps some fresh herbs or a sprinkling of cheese for an extra layer of indulgence. Serve it alongside warm crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up every last drop of that heavenly sauce. Enjoy your meal, and happy cooking!
