Delicious Garlic Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Chicken Recipe That’s Finger-Licking Good

Succulent chicken takes a flavorful turn with this garlic chicken recipe that will make your taste buds dance.

Aromatic garlic infuses every bite of tender, juicy meat, creating a mouthwatering dish that screams comfort.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a meal that looks and tastes like something from a gourmet kitchen.

Each piece of chicken promises a burst of rich, savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The secret lies in the perfect balance of herbs and seasonings that transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary feast.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.

Prepare to savor every delectable morsel of this irresistible culinary creation.

What Makes Garlic Chicken Delicious

  • Craft Tropical Delight: Transform a simple cake mix into a mouthwatering dessert bursting with pineapple and coconut flavors that transport you to a sunny paradise.
  • Simplify Baking Magic: Utilize basic ingredients and a boxed cake mix to create an impressive dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.
  • Layer Love Technique: Build incredible depth of flavor by infusing the cake with pineapple, adding creamy pudding, and topping with fluffy whipped cream and coconut.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and summer parties where you want to wow guests with minimal kitchen effort.

Ingredients For Garlic Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the centerpiece of this delicious dish.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: A harmonious mix of spices that enhance the chicken's natural flavor and create a delightful taste profile.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: These ingredients provide rich flavor, help with browning, and create a luxurious sauce base.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds depth and richness to the chicken's overall taste.
  • Chicken Broth (or Wine): A liquid that helps deglaze the pan and creates a flavorful sauce.
Bright Flavor Additions:
  • Lemon Juice: A citrusy element that adds brightness and balance to the rich garlic butter sauce.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: A green herb that provides a fresh, colorful finishing touch to the dish.

Step-By-Step Garlic Chicken Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Thoroughly dry the chicken using paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning absorption.

Step 2: Create Flavor Coating

Generously season both sides of the chicken with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning

Step 3: Begin Searing

Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, adding:
  • Olive oil
  • Butter

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Place chicken in the hot skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 5: Create Garlic Sauce Base

Reduce skillet heat to medium and add:
  • Remaining butter
  • Remaining olive oil

Step 6: Infuse Garlic Flavor

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.

Step 7: Build Sauce Depth

Pour chicken broth (or wine) into the skillet, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom. Allow to simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 8: Brighten Sauce

Stir in fresh lemon juice to enhance the sauce’s brightness.

Step 9: Final Cooking

Return chicken to the skillet, spooning garlic butter sauce over the top.

Simmer for 2-3 additional minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and serve immediately while hot.

Helpful Advice For Garlic Chicken

  • Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing.
  • Mix salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning evenly on both sides of chicken for maximum flavor penetration.
  • Cook chicken in batches if needed to maintain high heat and achieve beautiful caramelization without steaming.
  • Saute minced garlic quickly (30-60 seconds) to release aromatic flavors without burning, which can create bitter taste.
  • Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe, juicy result without overcooking.

Flavorful Variations For Garlic Chicken

  • Herb-Crusted Chicken Variation: Replace Italian seasoning with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic herb-infused flavor profile.
  • Spicy Garlic Chicken Twist: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning mix for a fiery kick that elevates the dish's heat level.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with coconut oil or additional olive oil to create a lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor and golden-brown texture.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Remix: Incorporate chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese during the final simmer for a Greek-inspired transformation.

Foods To Pair With Garlic Chicken

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the garlic's brightness and chicken's richness, cutting through the buttery sauce with refreshing acidity.
  • Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Herb-roasted asparagus or garlic-infused Brussels sprouts mirror the dish's flavor profile, adding nutritious green elements that enhance the main course.
  • Match with Crusty Bread: Rustic sourdough or French baguette becomes perfect for soaking up the delectable garlic butter sauce, ensuring no delicious liquid goes to waste.
  • Create Mediterranean Side Salad: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty counterpoint, balancing the chicken's richness with fresh, peppery greens and tangy dressing.

How To Keep Garlic Chicken Fresh

  • Store leftover garlic chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Warm on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

  • Why pat the chicken dry before cooking?

Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior and allows seasonings to stick better to the meat.

  • Can I use different herbs instead of Italian seasoning?

Absolutely! You can substitute with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to match your taste preferences.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring it’s safe to eat without overcooking.

  • What makes the garlic sauce so flavorful?

The combination of browned chicken bits, butter, garlic, chicken broth, and lemon juice creates a rich, tangy sauce that enhances the chicken’s taste.

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Delicious Garlic Chicken Recipe

Delicious Garlic Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic chicken promises a flavor-packed journey through Mediterranean cuisine. Crispy, herb-infused chicken delivers a mouthwatering experience that will transport home cooks to sunny coastal kitchens.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry chicken pieces, ensuring surface moisture is completely removed.
  2. Create a flavor blend by generously coating chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning on both surfaces.
  3. Prepare a large skillet by heating olive oil and butter over medium-high temperature until mixture is shimmering.
  4. Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for approximately 5-6 minutes.
  5. Once chicken reaches a rich caramel color and is nearly cooked, transfer to a separate plate.
  6. Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce remaining butter and olive oil.
  7. Quickly sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
  8. Deglaze skillet by pouring chicken broth, using spatula to scrape accumulated flavor compounds from pan bottom.
  9. Allow liquid to simmer and reduce for roughly 2 minutes, concentrating sauce’s intensity.
  10. Introduce fresh lemon juice to brighten and balance sauce’s profile.
  11. Gently return chicken to skillet, thoroughly coating with garlic-infused sauce.
  12. Continue simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  13. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while sauce remains warm and vibrant.

Notes

  • Pat chicken completely dry to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Use high-quality, fresh garlic for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic profile.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain proper heat distribution and achieve perfect browning.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute regular butter with ghee and ensure chicken broth is gluten-free certified.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 243 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 571 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 93 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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