Name: Delicious Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 6 cloves garlic (minced); 3 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; ¼ cup chicken broth (or white wine); 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, but highly recommended!); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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If you love tender, juicy chicken with a burst of bold, savory flavor, this Delicious Garlic Chicken is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe! Picture this: golden-brown chicken pieces, infused with the irresistible scent of garlic, herbs, and a touch of buttery goodness. Trust me, the garlic lovers in your life will be asking for seconds (maybe even thirds!). This dish is super easy to whip up but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Ready to dive into garlic heaven? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love Delicious Garlic Chicken

This recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a flavor-packed experience. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual dinner party, this garlic chicken delivers on all fronts. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time. No complex techniques here—just delicious, simple cooking.
Flavors That Pop: The garlic, lemon, and herbs come together to create a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
Versatile: Serve it with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad—the options are endless. You can even pair it with your favorite veggies or roasted potatoes to complete the meal.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or gourmet food lovers, everyone will love this savory garlic chicken. It’s the kind of dish that gets rave reviews!
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. No need for fancy items, just pure, uncomplicated flavor.

Ingredients

The magic of this garlic chicken comes from the blend of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect choice for this dish. They cook quickly and stay juicy, absorbing all the garlicky goodness.
Garlic: The star of the show! Fresh, minced garlic brings bold, aromatic flavors that infuse the chicken.
Lemon: A splash of lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the garlic.
Butter: For that rich, silky finish that makes the sauce irresistible.
Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil helps with sautéing and adds depth to the dish.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley bring freshness and earthiness, while a little dried oregano adds extra flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Essential to seasoning the chicken perfectly and letting those bold flavors shine.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to bring that garlic magic to life? Here’s how you make it happen:

Prep the Chicken: Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This will help them brown evenly when you cook them. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a little dried oregano for extra flavor.

Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil or butter if needed. Once the skillet is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds—just enough to release its amazing aroma but not burn.

Make the Sauce: Add the butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt into the garlic. Then, pour in the lemon juice and a splash of chicken broth (or white wine for extra richness). Stir everything together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to create a flavorful sauce.

Finish the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of that garlic sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb all that garlicky goodness.

Garnish & Serve: Once everything is perfectly cooked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and thyme. Serve your garlic chicken hot with your favorite side dish and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 280-300 kcal
(Note: Nutritional values are estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

How to Serve Delicious Garlic Chicken

This garlic chicken pairs perfectly with so many sides. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

Rice: Serve it with fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with spaghetti or fettuccine for a satisfying pasta dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing it with roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
Salad: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette works wonderfully to balance the richness of the garlic chicken.
Mashed Potatoes: Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort food vibes.

For that extra special touch, garnish your garlic chicken with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon right before serving.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you make the most out of this delicious garlic chicken:

Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can season the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate even more deeply.
Spice It Up: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. It adds a subtle heat that complements the garlic beautifully.
Make It Creamy: If you prefer a creamy garlic sauce, add a little heavy cream or half-and-half to the pan after the chicken is cooked and simmer until thickened.
Use Bone-In Chicken: For even more flavor, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs. They’ll take a little longer to cook but will be extra juicy.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as they take a bit longer to cook through.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without butter?
A2: Absolutely! You can replace the butter with olive oil for a lighter option, or use ghee for a more intense, nutty flavor.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance. Store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Q6: How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
A6: You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear, not pink.

Q7: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A7: Fresh garlic really makes this dish shine, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder. Start with 1-2 teaspoons and adjust to taste.

Q8: What can I use if I don’t have fresh herbs?
A8: You can use dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley. Use about half the amount compared to fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Q9: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A9: Yes! Brown the chicken in a skillet first, then add everything to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Q10: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A10: Absolutely! You can sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the garlic to add extra veggies to the dish. They’ll absorb the delicious sauce!

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy, flavorful, and totally satisfying dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. This Delicious Garlic Chicken is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or making something special for guests. The garlic sauce is rich and aromatic, and the chicken is always juicy and tender. Try it tonight and let the savory magic unfold on your plate!