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
Scale
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.
