Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Strips Ready in 20 Minutes

Introducing the ultimate crowd-pleaser – Garlic Butter Chicken Strips! These chicken pieces are juicy and melt in your mouth. They’re seasoned with Cajun spice, then cooked in a garlic butter sauce. This recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for quick family dinners.

The secret to this recipe’s success is the fresh garlic, savory butter, and bold Cajun spices. These ingredients infuse every bite with incredible flavor. Whether you need a budget-friendly meal or a versatile dish, these Garlic Butter Chicken Strips will satisfy.

Key Takeaways

• Garlic Butter Chicken Strips are a quick and easy 20-minute recipe
• The Cajun seasoning blend adds bold, savory flavors to the chicken
• Fresh garlic and creamy butter create a mouthwatering sauce
• The dish is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways
• This recipe is budget-friendly and perfect for busy weeknight dinners

Why These Garlic Butter Chicken Strips Are a Game-Changer

Introducing the ultimate family-friendly chicken recipe that’s ready in just 20 minutes – our mouth-watering Garlic Butter Chicken Strips. These versatile and budget-friendly chicken dishes are a game-changer for busy weeknight dinners. They deliver bold flavors and tender, juicy chicken.

Perfect for Quick Family Dinners

Gone are the days of long, drawn-out meal preparations. With these quick weeknight meals, you can have a delicious, family-friendly chicken recipe on the table in no time. Simply season the chicken, sear it, and let the oven do the rest. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying and flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy.

Budget-Friendly Meal Option

Feeding a family can be expensive, but our Garlic Butter Chicken Strips recipe is here to save the day. Using common ingredients like chicken tenders, butter, and garlic, this dish delivers big on taste without breaking the bank. It’s the perfect versatile chicken dish to add to your weekly rotation.

Versatile Serving Options

The beauty of these Garlic Butter Chicken Strips lies in their versatility. Serve them as a standalone entree, toss them into a fresh salad, or use them as a base for dishes like chicken alfredo or chicken sliders. The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating this flavor-packed chicken into your favorite meals.

“These chicken strips are a total game-changer! They’re so quick and easy to make, but the flavor is out of this world. I’ve added them to my weeknight meal rotation for sure.”

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Strips

Making the best garlic butter chicken strips starts with picking the right ingredients. You’ll need a few key things for this tasty dish:

• 1.5 lbs of chicken tenderloins
• A homemade Cajun seasoning blend, with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and more
• Olive oil and high-quality butter (like Kerrygold)
• Fresh garlic cloves, minced
• Chopped fresh parsley
• White wine or chicken broth for extra flavor
• An Italian seasoning blend, salt, pepper, and lemon juice

These ingredients work together to give your chicken strips a perfect mix of flavors. The homemade Cajun seasoning lets you control the spice level. The butter and garlic make a rich sauce that makes the dish special.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make delicious garlic butter chicken strips. Your family and friends will love them.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make the best garlic butter chicken strips, you’ll need some key tools. A large cast iron skillet is essential. It holds heat well, making sure your chicken cooks evenly.

You’ll also need a sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping parsley. A sturdy wooden spoon is great for scraping the pan and getting all the tasty bits.

Recommended Cookware

• 12-inch cast iron skillet
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons

Additional Helpful Tools

1. Garlic press or mincer (for easily crushing the garlic)
2. Meat thermometer (to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F)
3. Tongs or a slotted spoon (for transferring the cooked chicken from the pan)

If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, stainless steel or a Dutch oven works too. The important thing is to pick a pan that holds heat well. This helps get a great sear on your chicken recipes.

Preparing Your Chicken Tenders

To start, you need to prepare your chicken tenders for the best garlic butter chicken strips. First, drizzle the chicken tenders with a bit of olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick to the chicken tender preparation and cooks them evenly.

Then, sprinkle both sides of the chicken tenders with 2-3 tablespoons of homemade Cajun seasoning. Make sure to spread the seasoning chicken strips evenly for the best taste.

1. Drizzle the chicken tenders with olive oil to lightly coat.
2. Liberally season both sides with 2-3 tablespoons of the Cajun seasoning blend.
3. For even cooking, ensure the chicken pieces are similar in size.
4. If using chicken breasts, cut them into even-sized strips or cubes.

By preparing the chicken tenders well, you’ll get perfectly cooked and tasty garlic butter chicken strips. The seasoning adds delicious Cajun spices, and the uniform size helps them cook evenly.

The nutritional info shows this garlic butter chicken strips recipe is packed with good stuff. It has the right mix of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for a healthy meal.

By following these steps, you’ll make a dish as good as a restaurant’s. Make sure the chicken pieces are the same size for even cooking. You can also use chicken breasts if tenders are hard to find.

The Perfect Cajun Seasoning Blend

Make your garlic butter chicken strips even better with homemade Cajun seasoning. This spice mix adds a real Cajun taste to your meal. It’s great for a quick family dinner or a budget-friendly option.

Customizing Heat Levels

Finding the right mix of flavors and heat is key to perfect Cajun seasoning. It usually includes smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Adjust the cayenne pepper to change the heat level to your liking.

Storage Tips for Extra Seasoning

Don’t throw away extra Cajun seasoning. Store it in an airtight container like a Mason jar or resealable bag. Keep it in a cool, dry place. This way, you can use it again for chicken, fish, or veggies.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Get ready to make a tasty skillet of cooking chicken tenders with our simple guide. This skillet chicken recipe is perfect for quick dinners. It’s budget-friendly and ready in just 20 minutes.

1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
2. Carefully place the seasoned chicken tenders into the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is nicely browned.
3. Reduce the heat to low and push the chicken tenders to the side of the skillet. Add the butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the empty space in the pan.
4. Toss the chicken tenders in the garlic butter mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated. If needed, season with a pinch of salt.
5. Finish by squeezing in a bit of fresh lemon juice. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly charred, about 2-3 more minutes.

With this easy cooking chicken tenders method, you’ll have a delicious skillet of garlic butter chicken ready fast. Enjoy the perfect mix of savory, garlicky, and tangy flavors in every bite.

Creating the Ultimate Garlic Butter Sauce

To make your garlic butter chicken strips amazing, you need a rich, flavorful sauce. This sauce should match the tender chicken perfectly. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can turn a simple dish into a meal your family will love.

Choosing the Right Butter

For your garlic butter sauce, choose high-quality, unsalted butter. This lets you control the salt and highlights the butter’s creamy flavor. Use 4 tablespoons of butter for the best taste.

Garlic Selection Tips

Fresh, fragrant garlic is key for the ultimate sauce. Don’t use jarred garlic, as it’s not as flavorful. Instead, mince 4-6 cloves of fresh garlic for depth and complexity.

To make the sauce, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly browned. This step releases the garlic’s oils and sugars, making the butter smell and taste amazing.

After the garlic is fragrant, add fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This makes a luscious, garlic butter sauce recipe that elevates your flavored butter for chicken to a new level.

Tips for Achieving Perfectly Tender Chicken

Preparing juicy chicken tenders requires a balance of tenderness and flavor. Here are some cooking chicken tips to help you achieve tender, juicy chicken every time:

1. Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your juicy chicken tenders reach 165°F. This way, they are cooked through without being overdone.
2. Allow for Resting: Let your juicy chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
3. Brine for Tenderness: For extra-tender juicy chicken tenders, brine the chicken in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes before cooking. This locks in moisture and improves texture.

By following these tips, you’ll create tender, juicy chicken tenders that everyone will love. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or use them in various dishes for a satisfying meal.

By following these tips and considering the nutritional information, you can enjoy delicious, tender, juicy chicken tenders that are both satisfying and healthy.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

When it comes to serving your delectable garlic butter chicken strips, the options are endless! These versatile tenders pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. They make for quick and satisfying family dinners.

For a classic pairing, serve the chicken strips alongside roasted vegetables. Try broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. The savory garlic butter complements the natural sweetness of the veggies, creating a well-balanced meal. Alternatively, mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf make for comforting and filling side dishes that soak up the flavorful sauce.

Looking for a low-carb option? Try serving the chicken strips with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. This healthier alternative allows you to enjoy the delicious garlic butter without the added carbohydrates.

For a refreshing contrast, pair the chicken strips with a crisp green salad or a colorful coleslaw. The bright, tangy flavors of the salad or slaw perfectly balance the rich, buttery chicken.

• Roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts)
• Mashed potatoes
• Rice pilaf
• Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
• Green salad or coleslaw

Don’t forget to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the chicken strips for an extra burst of flavor. The bright, citrusy notes complement the garlic butter perfectly.

Whether you’re serving side dishes for chicken strips or exploring chicken dinner ideas, these garlic butter chicken tenders are a versatile and delicious option. The whole family will love them.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Keeping your garlic butter chicken strips fresh is key. By following a few easy steps, you can enjoy them for days. This way, you get to relish every bite, even when you’re in a hurry.

Proper Storage Methods

For storing leftover chicken strips, use an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep the chicken with the pan juices. This keeps the strips moist and flavorful.

Best Reheating Practices

To reheat your chicken strips, use a skillet over low heat. Add some chicken broth to keep the chicken moist. You can also microwave them, but check them often to avoid overcooking.

By sticking to these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your garlic butter chicken strips for a long time. This way, you can always have a tasty meal ready, even when you’re in a rush.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

This garlic butter chicken recipe is versatile. You can change it up to make new flavors. Try these chicken recipe variations and garlic butter alternatives to make dinner special.

For a fuller meal, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They add richness and moisture. Or, for a leaner choice, chicken breasts work well, but cook them a bit longer to stay juicy.

Need a dairy-free option? Swap butter with olive oil or ghee. The garlic and spices will still make it tasty, offering a great garlic butter alternative.

Want to try something new? Add hot sauce for a buffalo-style twist. Or mix in honey and hot sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor. BBQ lovers can coat the chicken in barbecue sauce for BBQ chicken bites.

These chicken recipe variations and garlic butter alternatives let you make meals for everyone. They ensure a tasty and satisfying dinner for all.

Conclusion

The easy chicken dinner and quick garlic chicken recipe known as Garlic Butter Chicken Strips is a hit. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The recipe is simple, making it great for cooks of all levels.

The dish combines tender chicken, Cajun seasoning, and rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a family favorite for sure.

Looking for a satisfying meal or want to impress guests? These Garlic Butter Chicken Strips are the answer. They’re quick, affordable, and versatile. Try them and watch your family and friends ask for more.

Try the easy chicken dinner and quick garlic chicken recipe of Garlic Butter Chicken Strips. It’s a game-changer in your kitchen. Enjoy the juicy chicken, aromatic garlic butter, and rich flavors. Your taste buds will love it.