Skillet Garlic Knot Chicken Recipe

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Cook Time: 15 minutes

If you love the buttery, garlicky flavor of garlic knots, this dish is about to become your new favorite. Skillet Garlic Knot Chicken combines the same irresistible mix of melted butter, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, but with tender, juicy chicken. Its the ultimate comfort food that comes together quickly and will have everyone asking for more!

This dish has the same flavorful butter-garlic-herb combo you get on garlic knots, and its packed with juicy, perfectly cooked chicken. The sauce adds so much moisture and flavor, making it the perfect pairing for mashed potatoes, pasta, or a crusty piece of bread to soak it all up. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up an indulgent and satisfying meal thats sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 4 (4-ounce) chicken breast cutlets
• 1 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces, divided
• 6 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Step 1: Gather all the ingredients for easy access.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season the chicken evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (do this in batches if necessary) and cook, turning once halfway through, until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Do not wipe the skillet clean.
4. Step 4: Off the heat, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir until melted, which should take about 1 minute. Add the chopped garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Step 5: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the chicken back into the skillet with any juices accumulated on the plate. Stir in the parsley and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute, turning the chicken occasionally, until it is heated through.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with Parmesan cheese and garnish with more fresh parsley.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh pop of flavor.

This quick, flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or any time you want something comforting. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Per Serving
Calories	561
Total Fat	35g
Saturated Fat	15g
Cholesterol	223mg
Sodium	721mg
Total Carbohydrate	18g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	41g
Vitamin C	1mg
Calcium	156mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	422mg

History of Skillet Garlic Knot Chicken

Skillet Garlic Knot Chicken is a modern twist on the beloved Italian-American garlic knot. Garlic knots themselves originated in New York City's pizzerias during the mid-20th century as a simple, affordable way to use leftover pizza dough. They were brushed with a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs, creating the iconic soft, flavorful bites that quickly became a staple appetizer. The idea of combining this garlicky, buttery essence with tender chicken breasts emerged more recently in American home kitchens, marrying convenience with indulgence and giving rise to what we now know as Skillet Garlic Knot Chicken.

Regional Variations

While the dish is predominantly found in American cuisine, regional adaptations showcase subtle differences. In the Northeast, especially New York and New Jersey, cooks may emphasize Parmesan and fresh parsley for a sharper, more aromatic profile. In Southern kitchens, the recipe might include extra butter and a touch of smoked paprika to add depth and richness, reflecting the regions love for bold flavors. West Coast versions sometimes feature a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a lighter, zesty contrast, highlighting local preferences for brightness and freshness.

Distinguishing Features

Skillet Garlic Knot Chicken stands apart from other garlic chicken recipes due to its unique inspiration from garlic knots. Unlike standard garlic chicken dishes that primarily coat the protein in garlic butter, this recipe mimics the exact garlicky, buttery, and herbaceous flavor profile of garlic knots, complete with a finishing touch of Parmesan. The skillet method ensures the chicken remains juicy while absorbing the aromatic butter sauce, creating a depth of flavor not typically achieved in simple baked or grilled garlic chicken recipes.

Typical Serving Occasions

This dish is versatile and can be served in various settings. It is a favorite for family dinners, weeknight meals, and casual entertaining due to its quick preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor. Restaurants may feature it as a specialty entree, often accompanied by mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the buttery garlic sauce. Its comforting, rich taste makes it a popular choice for festive meals or cozy weekend lunches.

Interesting Facts

• Garlic knots were initially invented to use leftover pizza dough efficiently, reducing food waste while creating a new culinary favorite.
• Combining garlic knot flavors with chicken is a relatively recent innovation, reflecting the trend of adapting familiar comfort foods into complete main courses.
• Many home cooks report that the leftover butter-garlic mixture is perfect for dipping bread or drizzling over vegetables, making the dish almost multifunctional.
• The recipes quick 25-minute cooking time makes it ideal for busy households seeking flavorful meals without long preparation times.
• Despite its simplicity, the dish often earns rave reviews for its restaurant-quality taste, highlighting how classic flavors can be elevated with basic ingredients and careful cooking techniques.

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