Garlic Chicken

Get ready for a recipe that’s packed with savory goodness and guaranteed to make your taste buds dance: Garlic Chicken! If you’re a fan of tender, juicy chicken infused with rich, flavorful garlic butter, this dish is for you. Every bite is bursting with that mouthwatering garlic goodness, and the tender chicken makes it even more irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just treating yourself, this one’s bound to be a favorite.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Chicken

Bold and Flavorful

This recipe is bursting with bold garlic flavor, combined with a rich, buttery sauce that’s hard to beat. Trust me, you’ll be licking your plate clean after every bite!

Quick and Easy

Perfect for busy weeknights, this garlic chicken comes together in no time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

Tender and Juicy Chicken

The chicken comes out perfectly tender and juicy every time. The secret is in the marinade, which ensures that each piece of chicken is bursting with flavor from the inside out.

Customizable

Love your garlic super strong? Go ahead and add more. Want a lighter touch? Adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes. This recipe is easily customizable to fit your preferences.

Ingredients

For this Garlic Chicken, you only need a handful of ingredients to make something truly delicious.

Chicken Breasts (or Thighs)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer dark meat) are the base for this dish. They cook up tender and juicy, soaking up all the garlicky goodness.

Fresh Garlic

Fresh garlic is key to bringing that bold flavor. It’s minced and cooked in butter to create a rich, savory sauce.

Butter

Butter adds richness and helps create that silky, mouthwatering sauce that coats every piece of chicken.

Olive Oil

For cooking the chicken and creating a crispy, golden exterior.

Lemon Juice

A bit of lemon juice adds a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of the garlic butter.

Fresh Herbs

Parsley is a great choice here, adding a touch of color and freshness to balance the flavors.

Salt and Pepper

Seasoning is important to bring everything together. Salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and the garlic sauce.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

To get the most flavor, start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Coat the chicken with the mixture and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour) in the fridge.

Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt, and then add the remaining minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant and golden (but not burnt!). Add lemon juice to the pan and stir to combine. The garlic butter sauce will be rich, golden, and bursting with flavor.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over each piece. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to soak up all that delicious flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the garlic chicken hot, spooning extra sauce over the top. This dish pairs perfectly with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Chicken

With Roasted Vegetables

Garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus. The savory flavors of the chicken and the roasted vegetables make for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Over Rice or Pasta

Serve this garlic chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta to soak up all the delicious garlic butter sauce. It’s the perfect base for this flavorful dish.

With a Fresh Salad

A light, fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a perfect side to balance the richness of the garlic chicken. Try a simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumber for a refreshing contrast.

With Crusty Bread

The garlic butter sauce is too good to leave behind, so serve the chicken with some warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Garlic

If you’re a true garlic lover, feel free to add more minced garlic to the sauce. The flavor will become more intense and even more irresistible.

Make It Spicy

For a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. It gives the dish a zesty kick without overpowering the garlic flavor.

Use Chicken Thighs

If you prefer dark meat, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’ll be just as tender and flavorful, plus they stay juicy and moist.

Add a Creamy Twist

For a creamy garlic sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the pan after the garlic and butter have cooked. Stir until smooth for an extra rich sauce.

Store Leftovers

Store any leftover garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep the chicken tender.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?

A1: It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe, as it will cook more evenly. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to fully thaw it before marinating and cooking.

Q2: Can I use a different kind of meat?

A2: Yes! This garlic butter sauce works wonderfully with other meats like pork chops or even fish. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the meat you’re using.

Q3: How do I make this dish healthier?

A3: You can use less butter or substitute the butter for olive oil to make the sauce lighter. You can also pair the chicken with more vegetables and serve it over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Q4: Can I make this dish in advance?

A4: Yes, you can make the chicken ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q5: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A5: Absolutely! Store the cooked chicken and garlic sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and reheat.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to the dish?

A6: Yes! You can sauté vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor. It’s a great way to add some color and nutrients to the dish.

Q7: What side dishes go well with garlic chicken?

A7: Garlic chicken pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Q8: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

A8: While fresh garlic gives the best flavor, you can substitute garlic powder if necessary. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of fresh garlic.

Q9: Can I make this with chicken drumsticks or wings?

A9: Yes! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Drumsticks or wings will need a little more time to cook through than breasts.

Q10: Can I make this dish without lemon?

A10: If you don’t have lemon, you can substitute it with a little white wine vinegar or skip it entirely. The garlic butter will still taste fantastic!

Conclusion

This Garlic Chicken recipe is the perfect balance of juicy, tender chicken and rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. It’s quick, easy, and customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe will impress every time. So go ahead, make this dish tonight, and savor the incredible garlic goodness in every bite!

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