Chili garlic butter chicken has become my go-to for a reason – it’s pure comfort food with a kick! I remember the first time I tried to recreate that amazing spicy garlic butter chicken I had at a local restaurant. The aroma of garlic and chili hitting the hot butter was incredible, and the tender chicken just melted in my mouth. It took a few tries, but now I’ve perfected how to make chili garlic butter chicken that’s even better than takeout. This recipe brings all those craveable flavors right to your kitchen, perfect for a weeknight treat or impressing guests. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chili Garlic Butter Chicken
You’re going to adore this Chili Garlic Butter Chicken for so many reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: The perfect balance of spicy chili, aromatic garlic, and rich butter creates an unforgettable garlic chili chicken butter sauce.
- Quick Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making it an economical choice for a delicious meal.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this flavorful chicken.
- Versatile Sauce: The garlic chili chicken butter sauce is so good, you’ll want to put it on everything!
- Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the chili garlic sauce to make it as mild or as spicy as you like.
- Satisfying Meal: Tender chicken and creamy pasta make this a complete and hearty dinner.
Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Ingredients
Gather these chili garlic butter chicken ingredients for a truly delicious meal. I love how simple they are, yet they combine to create something so special. You’ll need 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks. For searing, grab 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. The star of our sauce is 4 cloves garlic, finely minced, and 1.5 tbsp chili garlic sauce for that perfect kick. Don’t forget 1 tsp smoked paprika for depth and color, plus salt and black pepper to taste. For that pop of freshness, have 2 tbsp chopped green onions and fresh parsley, chopped, ready for garnish. For the creamy pasta, you’ll need 8 oz rotini pasta, 1 tbsp butter, 1.5 cups sweet corn (frozen or fresh works!), 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. A little more salt and black pepper for the pasta is also needed.
How to Make Chili Garlic Butter Chicken
Bringing this easy chili garlic butter chicken to life is simpler than you might think! Let’s get cooking.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, cube the chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and shimmering.
- Step 3: Carefully add the chicken chunks to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. You want a nice crust for maximum flavor.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Step 5: Stir in the 1.5 tbsp chili garlic sauce and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Season generously with salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Step 6: Continue to cook for another minute, stirring everything together so the chicken is beautifully coated in the rich, spicy sauce. This is where the magic happens for your homemade chili garlic butter chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Step 7: In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Step 8: Add the 1.5 cups sweet corn and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and infused with that savory seasoning.
- Step 9: Pour in the 1 cup heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 10: Stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and luscious. Season this glorious Alfredo sauce with a pinch more salt and black pepper as needed.
- Step 11: While the sauce simmers, cook the 8 oz rotini pasta according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Step 12: Add the drained rotini directly into the skillet with the creamy Cajun corn Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Step 13: Serve the tender Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Bites proudly over the creamy Cajun corn Alfredo twists.
- Step 14: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped green onions and fresh parsley, if you’re feeling fancy!
Pro Tips for the Best Chili Garlic Butter Chicken
Here are my tried-and-true tips for making this Chili Garlic Butter Chicken absolutely perfect:
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken; cook in batches if necessary to get that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Use fresh garlic! It makes a world of difference in the aroma and flavor of your garlic chili chicken butter sauce.
- For an even richer sauce, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or white wine before the heavy cream.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, especially the chili garlic sauce and salt, before serving to ensure the perfect balance.
What’s the secret to perfect chili garlic butter chicken?
The key to that incredible restaurant style chili garlic butter chicken is searing the chicken properly to get a good crust, and then building the sauce in the same pan to capture all those browned bits. The combination of chili garlic sauce and butter creates a magical, savory flavor. For more tips on building flavor in your cooking, check out this guide on culinary techniques.
Can I make chili garlic butter chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken by cubing it and making the sauce components ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply sear the chicken and combine everything. This makes assembly even quicker!
How do I avoid common mistakes with chili garlic butter chicken?
To ensure a flavorful chili garlic butter chicken, avoid overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Also, don’t burn the garlic – it turns bitter quickly. If your Alfredo sauce seems too thick, a little reserved pasta water will loosen it up beautifully.
Best Ways to Serve Chili Garlic Butter Chicken
This Chili Garlic Butter Chicken is so versatile, it’s perfect for so many occasions! For a truly satisfying meal, I love serving it over the creamy Cajun corn Alfredo pasta as described in the recipe. It’s a complete dish that hits all the right notes. If you’re looking for a similar creamy pasta dish, you might enjoy this Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo.
If you’re looking for something different, this flavorful chicken is also amazing served alongside fluffy white rice or even a simple quinoa pilaf. The rice soaks up that incredible garlic chili chicken butter sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, consider pairing it with a crisp, refreshing green salad. And if you’re craving that spicy kick, this chicken is also fantastic with some crusty bread for dipping – perfect for enjoying every last drop of that spicy butter chicken with garlic goodness!
Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Nutrition Facts
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional goodness in each serving of this delightful Chili Garlic Butter Chicken:
- Calories: Approx. 650 kcal
- Fat: Approx. 35g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 15g
- Protein: Approx. 35g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 50g
- Fiber: Approx. 4g
- Sugar: Approx. 8g
- Sodium: Approx. 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional guidelines, you can consult resources like the USDA FoodData Central.
How to Store and Reheat Chili Garlic Butter Chicken
Once your delicious Chili Garlic Butter Chicken has cooled down completely, it’s time to think about storing any leftovers. I always make sure to let it cool on the counter for about 30 minutes before transferring it to airtight containers. This helps prevent condensation, which can make things a bit soggy. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, freezing is a great option! Wrap the chicken and pasta securely in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It should stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes it a fantastic grab-and-go meal for busy days.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is super simple. For the best results, gently reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This method ensures your homemade chili garlic butter chicken tastes almost as good as the first time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Garlic Butter Chicken
What is chili garlic butter chicken?
Chili garlic butter chicken is a flavorful dish characterized by tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, savory sauce made from butter, garlic, and chili. It often has a slightly spicy kick, balanced by the creamy richness of butter and aromatic garlic. It’s a popular dish in many cuisines, known for its addictive flavor profile.
What’s the best chili garlic butter chicken recipe?
The best chili garlic butter chicken recipe typically involves searing chicken to perfection, then creating a simple yet intensely flavorful sauce with high-quality butter, freshly minced garlic, and a good chili garlic sauce. The key is the balance of heat, savory notes, and the luxurious mouthfeel from the butter. For other great chicken recipes, explore the latest recipes on our site.
Can I make chili garlic butter chicken vegetarian?
While this specific recipe focuses on chicken, you can absolutely adapt the concept. For a vegetarian version, you could substitute the chicken with firm tofu, paneer, or even hearty vegetables like cauliflower florets or thick-cut mushrooms. Ensure they are cooked until tender and nicely coated in the delicious garlic chili chicken butter sauce.
How do I make the sauce spicier or milder?
Adjusting the heat is easy! For a spicier dish, simply increase the amount of chili garlic sauce you use, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with it. If you prefer it milder, start with less chili garlic sauce and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Variations of Chili Garlic Butter Chicken You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered this foundational Chili Garlic Butter Chicken recipe, you’ll find it’s incredibly adaptable. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
- Creamy Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: For an extra decadent meal, amp up the creaminess by adding a bit more heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, creating a truly luxurious creamy chili garlic butter chicken experience served over your favorite pasta. You might also enjoy our Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta.
- Asian Inspired Chili Garlic Butter Chicken: Give it an Asian twist by adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari, a touch of sesame oil, and a pinch of ginger along with the chili garlic sauce. This creates a wonderful Asian inspired chili garlic butter chicken that’s both familiar and exciting.
- Sheet Pan Chili Garlic Butter Chicken: For minimal cleanup, toss chicken pieces and your favorite veggies (like broccoli florets, bell peppers, and onions) with the chili garlic butter sauce ingredients and roast everything together on a single sheet pan until tender and caramelized.
- Spicy Butter Chicken with Garlic Skewers: Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers and grill or pan-sear them. This method offers a slightly different texture and presentation, perfect for appetizers or lighter meals.
Chili Garlic Butter Chicken: 15 Min Prep
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe features tender chicken bites seared in a spicy chili garlic butter sauce, served alongside creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta with sweet corn. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1.5 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, optional garnish
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1.5 cups sweet corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and sear until golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chili garlic sauce and smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In a large pot, cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt 1 tbsp butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
- Add sweet corn and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the corn is heated through and seasoned.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve the Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Bites over the Creamy Cajun Corn Alfredo Twists.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through before adding the sauce.
- Do not overcook the pasta to avoid a mushy texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the Alfredo sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 650 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 8g
- Sodium: Approx. 800mg
- Fat: Approx. 35g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 20g
- Trans Fat: Approx. 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 50g
- Fiber: Approx. 4g
- Protein: Approx. 35g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 150mg
