This Garlic Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers tender chicken infused with the bold taste of garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick dinner party centerpiece, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor: A rich garlic butter sauce elevates the chicken to gourmet status.
- Easy to make: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Versatile: Pairs well with many side dishes for a complete meal.
- Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Chicken broth or white wine
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over it. Simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Herbed garlic chicken: Add rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy option: Include red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Citrus-infused: Add lemon juice or zest to the sauce for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Creamy garlic chicken: Stir in heavy cream for a rich, velvety sauce.
- Grilled version: Marinate the chicken in garlic and olive oil, then grill instead of pan-searing.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
2. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over low heat and stir frequently to avoid burning, which can make it taste bitter.
3. Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Yes, but butter provides a richer flavor that’s ideal for this recipe.
4. What can I use instead of chicken broth?
White wine, vegetable broth, or water with a pinch of bouillon powder works as substitutes.
5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.
6. Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be used for convenience.
7. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
8. What sides pair best with garlic chicken?
Mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or rice are excellent choices.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients. Use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
10. Can I add cheese?
Yes, sprinkle Parmesan or mozzarella on top before serving for a cheesy twist.
Conclusion
Garlic Chicken is a quick, easy, and versatile recipe perfect for any occasion. With its rich garlic flavor and tender, juicy chicken, it’s a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Pair it with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to impress!
Print
Garlic Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender chicken infused with rich, garlicky goodness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad. A true comfort food classic!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter to the skillet.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine and serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2 minutes to warm through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add a splash of white wine with the chicken broth for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.