If you love dishes bursting with robust flavors and homey comfort, this Garlic Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender chicken breasts are seared to a perfect golden brown and then bathed in a luscious, garlicky sauce that combines the bright zing of lemon with a buttery finish and a hint of fresh parsley. Whether you’re cooking for family or just indulging yourself after a long day, this recipe is quick, simple, and absolutely satisfying. Get ready to fall in love with garlic all over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in making this Garlic Chicken Recipe shine. From the quality of the chicken breasts to the freshness of the garlic and lemon, every element works together to create a dish that’s rich in flavor and texture.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides the perfect sear and a subtle fruity depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The essential aromatic that gives this recipe its name and punch.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat to balance the garlic’s intensity and brighten the sauce.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Creates a savory base for the sauce, keeping the chicken juicy.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brings a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional): For extra richness and a silky finish to the sauce.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning step ensures the chicken meat is flavorful right from the start, setting the stage for all the deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a gorgeous golden crust and thoroughly cooked chicken with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm as you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the garlic sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until you can smell that irresistible garlic aroma filling your kitchen. If you enjoy a little kick, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes now to awaken your taste buds.
Step 4: Add liquid
Pour in the chicken broth and the fresh lemon juice, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen those flavorful browned bits. Let this simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce and intensify in flavor.
Step 5: Finish the sauce and combine
Mix in the chopped parsley and the optional butter, stirring until the butter melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt or pepper if you desire. Finally, return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce over them. Let them soak in the flavors for an additional 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges can add brightness and visual appeal to your plate. A light dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving also enhances the final bite.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Consider creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a vibrant quinoa salad to balance the garlic’s punch and create a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy dinner or casual lunch, serve the chicken sliced on a bed of fluffy rice or alongside garlic butter noodles. You can even use the shredded chicken as a topping for a fresh green salad to lighten things up and add texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes wonderfully. Wrap the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the chicken moist and prevent the garlic sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help refresh the sauce during warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will bring a juicier, slightly richer flavor and work just as well in this Garlic Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your heat preference, so you can make the dish as mild or spicy as you’d like.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Garlic Chicken Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To keep it dairy-free, simply skip the butter at the end of the sauce. The olive oil and chicken broth still create a flavorful finish without it.
What should I use if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used as a substitute, though fresh parsley is preferred for its vibrant color and fresh taste. Add dried parsley during the sauce simmering stage to allow it to rehydrate and release flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Recipe is truly a joy to make and share because it’s packed with flavor and comes together quickly. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel special without complicated steps. I promise once you try it, it’ll have a permanent spot in your rotation. So, grab those garlic cloves, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a garlic-infused skillet sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional for extra richness)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the garlic sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add crushed red pepper flakes if using to add a mild heat.
- Add liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes so it can reduce slightly and intensify in flavor.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and optional butter, letting it melt and enrich the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the garlic sauce over them. Let the chicken absorb the flavors for an additional 2-3 minutes before serving with extra sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor intensity.
- Butter is optional but adds a richer sauce texture and taste.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
